Randburg Magistrate’s Court to hear sexual offence case against SAPS officer
An officer faces court proceedings following serious allegations, as police management reiterates a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence.
SAPS acting national commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the arrest of a senior police officer on charges relating to sexual offences, reports Sandton Chronicle.
The arrest was made yesterday, (September 21) by members of the commissioner’s recommendations task team. The senior officer faces charges relating to the alleged sexual grooming of a teenage girl and the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel.
The senior officer is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on September 22.
The acting national commissioner strongly condemned the alleged conduct, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide, and emphasised that members of the police service have a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. “Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children,” said Dimpane. “They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility.
“As the country continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), there can be no room for anyone within the police service who is alleged to abuse their position or violate the rights of women and children.
“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law. Where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour.”
Dimpane added that SAPS will continue to take decisive action against members who are suspected of criminal conduct, while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.
The arrest demonstrates that SAPS will not shield members facing serious allegations of criminal conduct, irrespective of their rank or position.
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