News24 | Bail for constable charged with rape of domestic violence victim

The Phokeng Magistrate’s Court in Rustenburg released the 27-year-old constable on R5 000 bail.

A North West police officer accused of raping a domestic violence victim inside a police station after responding to her complaint has been released on bail.

The Phokeng Magistrate’s Court in Rustenburg released the 27-year-old constable on R5 000 bail following the alleged incident, which occurred on 2 December.

As he is accused of a sexual offence, he cannot be named until he has pleaded, in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act.

According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the officer was called to a domestic violence dispute involving the 31-year-old complainant and her boyfriend on the day of the incident.

READ | Police allegedly pressure rape victim to drop case – call perpetrator for apology

After escorting the couple to the Phokeng police station to address the matter, the constable allegedly instructed the woman’s boyfriend to return home to retrieve his passport, as both are foreign nationals.

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said that while the boyfriend was away, the constable kept the woman at the station.

“The victim alleged that the accused constable took her to an office within the police station premises, where he raped her,” Suping said.

IPID took over the case on 11 December, and the woman identified the officer during an identity parade.

He was released on bail on Monday, and the case has been postponed to 26 February 2025 for further investigation.