Former EC detective handed 20-year jail term for raping minor
JOHANNESBURG - Disgraced former Kei Mouth detective in the Eastern Cape, Thembalethu Gqeku, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a minor.
Gqeku assaulted the victim in 2022. She was 17 years old at the time of the incident.
The violation allegedly took place at the Kei Mouth Police Station.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) welcomed the former detective's sentencing.
In 2022, Gqeku picked up the young girl under the pretext of getting a statement for a case that she had opened against her partner.
On the way to the Kei Mouth Police Station, the former detective made advances to the victim, which were rejected.
Gqeku proceeded to rape the victim when they arrived at the police station.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said: "IPID Eastern Cape provincial head, Ms Bongiwe Tukela, says GBVF is a scourge in our country and the department has noted a trend where victims alledge that they were being raped whilst being picked up from taverns, which is a concern. Therefore, IPID is very pleased on its impartial investigation, as well as the dedication of the NPA."
Suping added that they were satisfied with the emotional support the victim received from the Department of Social Development in Eastern Cape.
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