Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has strongly condemned the alleged sexual offences involving a 59-year-old senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer. The officer, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General, is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman. Cachalia described the allegations as particularly disturbing given the seniority and responsibility entrusted to a Lieutenant General.
The senior SAPS officer was arrested on Monday by members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) and is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. According to SAPS, the officer faces allegations relating to the sexual grooming of the 16-year-old between July and August 2026. He is also accused of allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton in May.
Cachalia emphasized that a police officer, particularly a senior one, is entrusted with enormous responsibility to protect members of the public, uphold the law, and safeguard the rights and dignity of women and children. He stressed that allegations of sexual offences against a member of the Service must be investigated without fear or favour, irrespective of the rank or position of the individual concerned.
The arrest and allegations come as South Africa continues to grapple with gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Cachalia referred to the recent discovery of the bodies of nine women in Ekurhuleni, highlighting the vulnerability of women and the responsibility of government to protect them. He emphasized that the SAPS cannot credibly lead the fight against GBVF while turning a blind eye to allegations of such conduct within its own ranks.
Cachalia’s comments were echoed by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, who welcomed the arrest and emphasized that allegations of criminal conduct against police officers must be investigated regardless of rank or seniority. Dimpane stated that SAPS would continue taking action against members suspected of criminal conduct while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.
The fight against GBVF must begin with accountability within the ranks of the police, according to Dimpane. The accused officer is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence, and the allegations against him have yet to be tested in court. The SAPS and government have a critical role in protecting women and addressing the scourge of GBVF.
The Minister and the SAPS leadership have reiterated their commitment to combating GBVF and ensuring accountability within the police service. The arrest of police officials facing credible allegations of criminal conduct must be met with decisive and lawful action. The case against the senior SAPS officer will be closely watched as it unfolds in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
Key points
- The accused officer faces allegations of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman.
- The SAPS and government are committed to combating GBVF and ensuring accountability within the police service.
- The arrest and allegations highlight the vulnerability of women and the responsibility of government to protect them.
