[Listen] Tshwane SAPS academy rape: Police captain to apply for bail

The Citizen

14-05-2025

A police captain accused of raping a trainee at the Tshwane SAPS academy is scheduled to make his second appearance at the Pretoria Central Magistrate's Court for a bail application today.
Pretoria Rekord reports that Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the officer was arrested by the directorate last Wednesday.
She said the 20-year-old trainee was walking with her platoon members to their sleeping quarters when she was called to the captain's office, allegedly by him.
The door was then reportedly locked, by the police captain, and Suping said he blackmailed the trainee into sleeping with him.
'He told her that if she did not sleep with him, he would write a misconduct letter regarding an incident that allegedly happened in April, where the police captain was accusing the trainee of failing to salute him.'
Suping said the suspect remains in police custody until his court appearance.
No one is above the law – minister
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu strongly condemned the sexual assault, describing it as a gross violation of the rights that police are entrusted to protect.
'We welcome the swift removal and subsequent arrest of the instructor. This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers. To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve our nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable,' he said.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit ensured that the victim received the necessary medical care and ongoing emotional and psychological support services.
Mchunu said such actions not only harm victims, but also undermine the work the police service collectively does.
'This incident stands in stark contrast to the values and ethics we expect of our officers. It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day.
'Ipid has been tasked with the matter, and we urge them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served. We call for swift internal processes to be followed. The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message – no one is above the law,' Mchunu said.
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