By Buziwe Nocuze
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has arrested a police instructor for allegedly raping a female police trainee.
Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said: “It is alleged that on 31 March a police instructor at the Philippi Police Training Academy in the Western Cape called a female police trainee to his office, and she went to the office after having several excuses in the past for not going.”
The instructor allegedly locked the door once the victim was inside and raped her.
“She was allowed to leave after the alleged rape, but she did not report the incident immediately. She only reported the incident a few days later, and the case was reported to Ipid for investigation,” Shuping said.
The instructor was arrested on 21 April. The next day, he appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, and the case was postponed to 2 May for a formal bail application.
Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said the allegations were damning because the rape happened at an institution where trainee SAPS officers are being trained to uphold the law.
“I extend my good wishes, strength, and empathy to the complainant. This is a very traumatic situation. I encourage her to get the necessary counselling and assistance,” said Allen.
He urged the court to deny bail, as rape, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence continue to be rife in society.
“SAPS should ensure that as the criminal investigation is underway, disciplinary action is also taken against the alleged perpetrator. This type of incident should never happen anywhere, let alone at a SAPS college,” said Allen.
Pictured above: Crime scene.
Image source: File
