The bail application of the rape-accused Malmesbury cop has been postponed after he was expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
The sergeant, arrested for allegedly raping a 41-year-old woman in the holding cells on Christmas Day, was to appear at the Porterville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, but the matter has been postponed to be heard at the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court on January 15, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.
“The case was moved to Porterville as most prosecutors in that court (Malmesbury) know the accused. This was made possible because Porterville falls under Malmesbury.
“Unfortunately this could not happen as the presiding officer could not deal with the matter as he/she does not fall under that court. The case has been transferred back to Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court and the Control Prosecutor has organised a prosecutor who will deal with the matter,” said Ntabazalila.
According to information, the woman reported the alleged rape on December 27 and the SAPS has since suspended the officer.
The matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigate Directorate (Ipid).
Ipid spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, confirmed the woman was arrested for a case of theft on December 25.
Shuping said: “The complainant further alleges that at the police station, the accused officer told her that she was picked up by mistake but encouraged her to drink alcohol with him. When she refused, he allegedly took off his clothes, laid on the cell mattress and pretended to be asleep.
“As she tried to leave, the accused officer grabbed her from behind, choked her, tore her clothes and raped her. After the ordeal, the officer allegedly dropped her off in town. A rape case has been opened and medical reports have also been obtained. The victim’s torn clothes were also handed over as evidence.”
Provincial police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, decried the incident having conducted a visit to the Malmesbury police station following the incident last month.
SAPS spokesperson, Novela Potelwa, confirmed the sergeant, who faces internal disciplinary proceedings, has been placed on suspension due to his arrest.
Patekile said it was “disturbing that a woman is allegedly raped by a police official” while police stations are meant to be safe spaces for community members.
“When custodians of safety are themselves alleged perpetrators of crime, that goes against the oath to serve and protect taken by police officials. It is on this basis that an investigation has to take place and decisive action taken as a matter of urgency,” said Patekile.