Serious concerns have been raised about sexual misconduct in the South African Police Service (SAPS), with over 300 rape allegations filed against officers in the last three years.
Some of the crimes were allegedly committed while officers were on duty, and others occurred while victims were in police custody.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) reports that there were 122 cases in 2022–2023, 110 in 2023–2024, and 97 in 2024–2025. The circumstances surrounding the alleged assaults were particularly troubling, according to Lisa Schickerling, the DA's spokesperson on police.
“In 2023/2024, at least 58 incidents reportedly took place while officers were on duty and 52 while they were off duty. In 2024/2025, two alleged cases involved victims in police custody, representing an egregious abuse of power.”
Gauteng led with 27 reported cases, followed by the Eastern Cape with 16 and the Western Cape with 15.
In response to the figures, Schickerling said the DA has written to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), demanding detailed updates on the status of these cases, including how many officers have been suspended, arrested, dismissed, or referred for prosecution.
“South Africans deserve to know what has happened to these cases and whether justice is being pursued. It cannot be acceptable in any democratic society that those tasked with enforcing the law are themselves accused of violating it in such egregious ways. Every allegation represents the betrayal of public trust,” she said.
Speaking to The Star, Lizzy Suping, national spokesperson for IPID, provided a detailed breakdown of sexual assault cases involving police officers for the 2024/25 financial year.
She said, “The intake for rape cases stood at 95, with 51 offences reportedly committed while officers were on duty and 44 while off duty.”
Suping added that 92 cases were concluded and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision. Of 313 disciplinary convictions recorded, 21 were for rape, with 19 officers dismissed, one receiving a salary suspension, and one issued a final written warning.
“Currently, 106 rape cases remain on the court roll, and of 76 criminal convictions in 2024/25, 11 were for rape, with sentences ranging from eight years to life imprisonment,” she said.
She emphasised the department’s commitment to accountability, stating, “We prioritise all our cases, including those related to gender-based violence and femicide. Every case represents a breach of public trust, and we are determined to ensure justice is served.”
The DA said it will continue to push for professional policing that keeps communities safe while ensuring officers who commit crimes, including sexual assault, are held accountable.
“Police officers who commit rape must be treated like any other criminal. They must be investigated without fear or favour, prosecuted without delay, and dismissed from SAPS if found guilty,” the party said.
The Star