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A Malmesbury detective was arrested for allegedly raping a woman in police cells. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
- Police arrested a 40-year-old detective stationed at Malmesbury police station for allegedly raping a 41-year-old woman inside police cells.
- It is alleged that the officer took the woman to the police station under the pretence that she had been arrested for theft.
- The incident comes less than a week after a constable from Mfuleni was denied bail in connection with a similar case.
Police arrested a 40-year-old detective stationed at Malmesbury police station for allegedly raping a 41-year-old woman inside police cells.
The incident comes barely a week after the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court in Cape Town denied bail to Constable Siyabonga Mbane, a police officer accused of raping a 26-year-old woman while she was in custody at Mfuleni police station.
In the Malmesbury incident, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the victim alleges that on Christmas Day, the accused officer picked her up from her home under the pretext that he was investigating an alleged theft case.
Upon arriving at the police station, the detective told her she had been mistakenly brought in.
He then allegedly encouraged her to drink alcohol with him, but when she refused, the situation took a dark turn.
WATCH | No bail for Cape Town cop accused of raping woman who was in custody
Suping said that according to the victim's statement, the officer removed his clothes, lay on a mattress in the cell, and pretended to fall asleep.
"As she tried to leave, the accused officer grabbed her from behind, choked her, tore her clothes and raped her," said Suping.
After the ordeal, the officer allegedly dropped her off in town.
The victim filed a rape case, and medical evidence, along with her torn clothes, has been handed over to investigators.
Suping said the officer is currently detained at Riebeek police station. He is expected to appear in court soon.
READ | Cape Town cop in dock for allegedly raping woman in holding cell
Western Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile condemned the incident, describing it as "disturbing and sickening".
He was visiting the Malmesbury police station on the West Coast to receive a detailed briefing on the matter and assured the public that internal disciplinary proceedings have been instituted.
The accused officer has been suspended due to his incarceration.
Patekile lamented the betrayal of public trust when law enforcement officers commit such heinous acts.
He said:
Police stations are meant to be safe spaces for community members. When custodians of safety become alleged perpetrators, it undermines the oath to serve and protect taken by police officials.
He added that decisive action must be taken urgently to restore trust in the police service.
"Police members need to display exemplary conduct at all times. This sickening act is condemned in the strongest terms."
