Cape Town - A Malmesbury police officer accused of raping a woman in the holding cells on Christmas Day is set to make his first appearance in court today.
The 40-year-old detective was arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) over the weekend, and the woman’s torn clothing was also retrieved.
Ipid spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, stated that the 41-year-old woman reported that she was arrested for theft and taken into custody on Christmas Day, but once at the station, the officer claimed her arrest was a mistake.
“The complainant alleges that the accused officer picked her up from her home for an alleged theft case on December 25. The complaint further alleges that at the police station the accused officer told her that she was picked up by mistake but encouraged her to drink alcohol with him.
“When she refused, he allegedly took off his clothes, laid on the cell mattress and pretended to be asleep.
“As she tried to leave, the accused officer grabbed her from behind, choked her, tore her clothes and raped her.”
Suping said after the ordeal, the officer dropped the victim off in town.
“A rape case has been opened and medical reports have also been obtained. The victim’s torn clothes were also handed over as evidence.
“The accused officer is detained at the Riebeek SAPS.”
Billy Claasen of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, condemned the actions of the officer and called on Western Cape Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, to investigate the circumstances of the arrest.
“We also call on the SAPS leadership to investigate the allegations of more victims of this detective.
“This is not the first time such incidents have occurred in the West Coast District involving police officers, and we demand stronger action from police leadership.
“Police officers are entrusted with safeguarding our communities. This officer has grossly overstepped his duty. He was meant to serve and protect, not to harm and attack.”
Patekile said internal disciplinary proceedings have since been instituted against the police sergeant who has been suspended. He described the incident as “disturbing” and said police stations are meant to be safe spaces for the community.
“When custodians of safety are themselves alleged perpetrators of crime, that goes against the oath to serve and protect taken by police officials. It is on this basis that an investigation has to take place and decisive action taken as a matter of urgency,” Patekile said.