Malmesbury detective arrested for alleged rape in police cells

A suspended Malmesbury detective arrested at the weekend for the alleged rape of a woman in police cells, in yet another gender-based violence (GBV) related crime committed by a cop, is expected to appear at the local Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The 40-year-old was apprehended on Friday after a 41-year-old woman alleged that the accused picked her up from her home on Christmas Day claiming it was in relation to a theft case, according to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Lizzy Suping.

“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. After the ordeal, the officer allegedly dropped her off in town,” said Suping.

A rape case was subsequently lodged by the woman, medical reports were obtained and her torn clothes were also handed over as evidence.

Suping said the officer was detained at the Riebeek police station.

The incident happened about two weeks after the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court denied 40-year-old Constable Siyabonga Mbane bail.

He was arrested on November 29 after being accused of raping a 26-year-old woman between midnight and 4.30am in an empty cell while she was detained at the Mfuleni police station.

The court heard that he had previously made attempts on other detainees.

Magistrate Sam Nkambule said Mbane brought the SAPS into disrepute.

Provincial police commissioner Thembisile Patekile, who visited the Malmesbury police station for a detailed briefing, described the incident as a “sickening act”.

He also confirmed that internal disciplinary proceedings have been instituted against the police sergeant who has been placed on suspension by virtue of being incarcerated.

“Police members need to display exemplary conduct at all times. Police stations are meant to be safe spaces for community members and police officials with the powers bestowed upon them, are the protectors of the most vulnerable in society.

“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,” said Patekile.

Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo expressed concern over the number of recent violent incidents, saying many highlighted the severe mental health challenges of law enforcement officers.

“It is unacceptable that the very individuals tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of others often find themselves struggling in silence, unable to access the help and support they need.”

ANC police oversight and community safety spokesperson Benson Ngqentsu also condemned the “alarming and unacceptable” pattern of rape cases of detainees.

“The incidents alone reveal a grave moral and criminal crisis within the SAPS, an institution meant to protect citizens and maintain law and order in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile a 42-year-old Gauteng officer is currently under police guard in hospital after he shot himself while resisting arrest in connection with the murder of his traffic warden girlfriend Chesnay Keppler.

The officer allegedly visited the 22-year-old woman in Eldorado Park on Thursday while under the influence of alcohol while on duty.

He allegedly forced the deceased into the state vehicle with her friends, however, they overpowered him and managed to run into the friend’s home where he subsequently shot her through the kitchen window.

The family claimed the officer was known to have a history of violence and abuse as they had filed a number of complaints at the local police station but no action was taken.

Acting Premier Lebogang Maile said GBV was a stubborn pandemic that refuses to die.

“It requires all of us, especially men to be in the forefront of confronting because it can't be right,” he said.

Cape Times