Rape case leaves trust in SAPS lingering

Action Society opposes the bail application of the South African Police Service (SAPS) official who allegedly raped a 29-year-old man from Gugulethu on Thursday, December 2.

 The 31-year-old SAPS official appeared at the Wynberg Magistrate Court on Tuesday, after being arrested on Sunday, December 5 on charges of rape assault and kidnapping. The case is postponed until the 23rd of December 2021 for a bail hearing. 

Action Society is shocked by the behaviour of the SAPS official, in particular in the time the country grieves against violence and abuse in our communities. Kelly Baloyi, spokesperson for Action Society commented: “Action Society calls for bail to be denied and an example should be made of him as he is held at a higher standard because of the uniform he pledged to wear with pride.”

 The accused officer apprehended the 29-year-old man on suspicion of shoplifting, at the Nyanga Junction, last Thursday. 

 The SAPS official allegedly handcuffed the man into the police van, drove him to a gravel road near the Cape Town International Airport and, forced him to watch pornography, assaulted him, and dropped him off in Gugulethu.

 This case comes as the world campaigns for the 16 Days of ‘Activism for No Violence against Women and Children’. 

 In September 2021, Minister of Police Bheki Cele revealed that over 10 000 SAPS officers were being investigated for murder, rape and assault since 2012. The officers are currently facing disciplinary hearings. 

  Action Society, on countless occasions, called for the review of our men and women in blue. All of this has fallen on deaf ears. The atrocities committed by police officers is a clear indication that the recruitment process needs to be re-evaluated. Prospective police officers must go through rigorous background checks and psychological evaluation. 

 “Our communities don’t trust the SAPS . It is cases such as these that destroys the relationship between law enforcement and citizens.  The fundamental duty of the SAPS is to ensure the safety of South Africans. However, as a result of numerous cases, they have failed to protect citizens in their custody.” concluded Baloyi.

Is there justice in SA?

At Action Society, we often see delays in the justice system. What do you think? Have you experienced this too?

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