Key Points:
- A 59-year-old police captain allegedly raped a 20-year-old female trainee at the Tshwane Police Academy.
- The incident reportedly happened on May 6, following an earlier confrontation in April over a missed salute.
- Police arrested the captain the next day. The court has denied bail, and the case will resume on May 23.
Police Veteran Accused of Sexual Misconduct
PRETORIA, South Africa — A 59-year-old police captain appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Authorities charged him with raping a female trainee under his supervision.
The officer, who has served in the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 31 years, works as a firearms trainer at the Tshwane Police Academy in Pretoria West. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the charges and emphasized that the agency is committed to pursuing justice for the young woman in this Gauteng police rape case.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the incident began in April 2025. The trainee allegedly walked past the captain without saluting. He reportedly reprimanded her and accused her of misconduct. She told him she had not seen him.
Later, on May 6, the captain allegedly called the trainee to his office while she walked with her platoon. After she entered, he reportedly shut the door behind her.
At that point, the captain allegedly threatened to dismiss her unless she agreed to have sex with him. He then ordered her to partially undress while he did the same. Mahanjana said the officer raped her and then told her to get dressed and leave.
Immediate Reporting and Legal Action
Immediately after the incident, the trainee reported what happened to the academy authorities. The officials contacted the police right away. They then took the woman for medical treatment and referred her to the Laudium Thuthuzela Care Centre for additional support and evaluation.
Police arrested the captain on May 7, just one day after the alleged rape. The authorities handed the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which will now lead the investigation.
Following a contested bail hearing, the court denied the captain’s release. Therefore, the court postponed the case to May 23. The suspect remains in custody as the Gauteng police rape case continues to unfold.
The court has not yet released the captain’s name, pending his formal plea and confirmation of identity in court records.
