By Anita Dangazele
- A 32-year-old police constable has been arrested and remains in custody, accused of raping a 15-year-old in Greenfields, Gqeberha.
- Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has condemned the allegations and called for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
A 32-year-old police constable remains in custody after being arrested on allegations that he raped a 15-year-old in Greenfields, Gqeberha.
The constable was arrested on 19 September, following an investigation into the alleged rape on Mjiba Street.
He appeared before the Gqeberha Magistrates Court on Monday, 21 September, and was remanded in custody. His bail application, initially expected on Tuesday, has since been postponed to 29 September. The investigation is continuing.
SAPS management said police officers are expected to uphold the law, protect communities and act with integrity and professionalism, and that any member suspected of a crime will face the same criminal justice process as anyone else.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha strongly condemned the allegations, saying they erode public trust in the police.
“SAPS has a responsibility to uphold the law and protect communities, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children,” Nqatha said.
He called on SAPS management to take appropriate action against the officer, and appealed to parents, guardians and community members to remain vigilant in protecting children from abuse.
Pictured above: A Gqeberha police officer accused of raping a 15-year-old girl has been remanded in custody.
Image source: File
