A Faure police officer is under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) after a 21-year-old woman claimed that he raped her inside his home in Elsies River.
IPID’s Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing, Phaladi Suping, could not confirm the officer’s arrest but said the investigation was at a preliminary stage and that it was not determined when this would be concluded.
The woman opened a case with police in May, allegedly stating that she had known the police officer and had visited his residence in Elsies River.
It is further alleged that while attempting to watch a movie with him, he raped her. Further details of the alleged incident may not be mentioned in order to not jeopardise the investigation.
Police spokesperson, Constable Thembakazi Mpendukana, said it was a matter for the IPID. DA MP, Lisa Shickerling, who serves on the Committee on Police, said the allegations are of a serious nature and called for a thorough investigation.
“Members of the South African Police Service are entrusted with protecting communities and upholding the law,” she said. “They should be safeguarding vulnerable residents, not contributing to the crime statistics they are meant to reduce.
“The DA expects that these allegations will be thoroughly investigated, due process will be followed, and, should sufficient evidence exist, appropriate legal action will be taken.”
