Police academy rocked by rape allegation, captain to appear in court
The police captain allegedlu called the trainee to his office and threatened to report her for misconduct if she didn't sleep with him.
A police captain who allegedly raped a trainee at the Tshwane SAPS academy is scheduled to make his second appearance at the Pretoria Central Magistrate’s Court for a bail application on May 14.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the officer was arrested by the Police Directorate on May 7.
She said on the day, the 20-year-old trainee was allegedly walking with her platoon members to their sleeping quarters when the captain called her to his office.
The police captain then allegedly locked the door and blackmailed her into sleeping with him. “He told her that if she did not sleep with him, he would write a misconduct letter regarding an incident that allegedly happened in April, where the police captain was accusing the trainee of failing to salute him.”
Suping said the suspect was still in police custody until his court appearance.
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Police Minister Senzo Mchunu strongly condemned the sexual assault.
Mchunu described the act inflicted on the trainee as a gross violation of the rights that police are entrusted to protect.
“We welcome the swift removal and subsequent arrest of the instructor. This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers. To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve our nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable,” he said.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) ensured that the victim received the necessary medical care and ongoing emotional and psychological support services.
Mchunu also said such actions not only harm victims, but also undermine the work the police service collectively does.
“This incident stands in stark contrast to the values and ethics we expect of our officers. It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day.
“Ipid has been tasked with the matter, and we urge them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served. We call for swift internal processes to be followed. The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message – no one is above the law,” Mchunu said.
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