Western Cape police officer arrested for rape

A police officer stationed at Gordon’s Bay SAPS has been arrested for rape, adding to the growing list of law enforcement officials accused of serious crimes in the Western Cape.

His arrest brings the number of officers charges with rape in the province to more than five in recent months. Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that the case has been registered. “Be advised that the mentioned case number is registered at Gordon’s Bay police for investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, three other officer shave been arrested by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption unit for business robbery and pointing a firearm during an incident at a Somali-owned shop in Mfuleni in October last year. It is alleged the officers 28 and 29, stole cash and cigarettes. Police spokes-person, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said another three officers were arrested by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for business robbery and pointing of firearm which took place in October 2024 at a Somali shop in Mfuleni.“Three aged 28, 28 and 29 were arrested at Nyanga SAPS when they reported for duty, on March 3 2025,”he explained.

“The investigation reveals that the members were on duty at SAPS Nyanga when at about 9pm, the three members visited a Somalian shop in Mfuleni and requested to search the shop.

“It is alleged that the police officials then demanded access to the room where cash and cigarettes were kept. “When the owner refused, they pulled their firearms and forced the owner at gunpoint to open the safety room from where they took an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.

“The owner and his two brothers were guarded by accomplices in the backroom. The police officials then loaded the cigarettes into the SAPS vehicle and drove off. “The owner of the shop managed to follow the suspects in his private vehicle and took a video of the police vehicle in question and later reported the matter to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit for investigation.”

He added after a thorough investigation by the unit, the docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who then decided to charge the members for business robbery and pointing of firearm. “Subsequently, a warrant of arrest was issued and executed on the same day,” he stated.

“The members are detained at Mfuleni SAPS police cells and are scheduled to appear at the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court.”

The provincial commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile condemned the conduct of the three members in the strongest terms possible and reaffirmed his commitment to rule out all forms of corruption within the Service. He urged members of the public to report corrupt activities involving SAPS members anonymously on the Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800701701.

Cape Argus