Latest news with #ThembalethuGqeku
Eyewitness News
09-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
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.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police sergeant abuses power, gets 20 years for raping victim inside police station
Ex-police sergeant Thembalethu Gqeku's abuse of power and trust led to a 20-year prison sentence for raping a 17-year-old. A former police sergeant, who took advantage of his position to rape a victim who came to the police station for help, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. The Qumrha Regional Court in the Eastern Cape sentenced 50-year-old Thembalethu Gqeku for raping a 17-year-old girl inside the detectives' office in the Kei Mouth Police Station on 8 August 2022. Rape case initially dropped Before being found guilty and given his sentence this week, Gqeku filed an R3.5 million civil claim against the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for malicious prosecution after the case was initially dropped. NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case was withdrawn at first because the victim was unable to explain herself well during consultation with the prosecution due to trauma. She needed to receive psychological and clinical therapy before the case could be re-enrolled. Victim picked up by sergeant When the rape happened, the victim was picked up from a nearby shop in the sleepy town of Kei Mouth by Gqeku, who was on duty and using a state vehicle. ALSO READ: Bodies of three missing constables identified by families The victim had opened a domestic violence case against her ex-boyfriend, and the sergeant took her by pretending he needed another statement. 'Once inside the office, Gqeku closed the door and proceeded to rape the petite victim on top of the table. The young woman managed to fight back, injured him on the head using an empty bottle, and ran to the charge office screaming,' Tyali said. Gqeku arrested by Ipid 10 days after rape The teenager identified her alleged rapist, but unfortunately, Gqeku's on-duty coworkers, including the acting station commander at the time, did not make an arrest. According to reports, one officer made fun of the victim by asking if she was high on drugs again. The sergeant was only arrested ten days later by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid). During Gqeku's trial, he pleaded not guilty, claiming he was a victim of assault by the teenager who was high on drugs. ALSO READ: Drunken argument over being called 'inkwenkwe' ends in cop getting 15 years for murder Senior Public Prosecutor Thango Pangalela led the testimony of the complainant, an on-duty police officer, and a medical professional from the Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC). The state skilfully cross-examined the accused and refuted his version of events. The state's submitted medical report also ruled out drug use by the victim. Delivering judgment on the sentence, Magistrate Joseph Govuza agreed with the state that the aggravating circumstances – that Gqeku used a state car, drove the victim to the police station, and raped her in an office while other persons were present – were unavoidable. Victim believed police station was a safe space The defenceless young victim, who is the same age as Gqeku's son, went to the police station believing it was the safest place. Gqeku has since quit the police and has been a security guard until his conviction. ALSO READ: Off-duty EMPD officer shot dead outside KwaThema spaza shop In the victim impact statement, the teenager said she now hates the police and can't even stand their sight. 'The state asked for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment by adding five more years because Gqeku had brought the whole criminal justice system into disrepute,' Tyali said. 'Unrepentant and unremorseful person' 'The court agreed and concluded that he was an unrepentant and unremorseful person whose conduct on the day was extremely outrageous.' Barry Madolo, the director of public prosecutions for the Eastern Cape, praised the victim, the prosecuting team, the TCC employees, the court preparation officers, and the Ipid investigators for their careful gathering and presentation of evidence in court. 'He added that the state will always be on the side of the victims, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable, in the face of the scourge of gender-based violence,' Tyali concluded. NOW READ: Maile calls for men to lead the fight against GBV
