KEY POINTS
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Constable Jerome Coetzee was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a pregnant woman during a fake drug arrest in 2018.
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The case was investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) after the victim reported the assault to the police.
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Despite delays, justice was served after Coetzee was dismissed from the police force and found guilty, highlighting the ongoing issue of police misconduct.
A former police constable in Western Cape has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping an 18-year-old pregnant woman during a fraudulent drug arrest nearly seven years ago.
The incident occurred in 2018, when Constable Jerome Coetzee, 38, along with two other officers, misled the pregnant woman into believing she was under arrest for possessing drugs, only to later drive her to a secluded area and sexually assault her.
The court’s ruling, handed down by the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, concludes a long and emotional legal battle that has left the victim and the community reeling.
IOL reports that the case was initially delayed in 2024 when Coetzee claimed illness, but he was ultimately convicted following a comprehensive investigation.
“This case is a stark reminder of the serious abuse of power that can occur within law enforcement,” said Phaladi Shuping, spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which led the investigation.
A former police constable in Western Cape has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping an 18-year-old pregnant woman during a fraudulent drug arrest nearly seven years ago.
The harrowing incident occurred in 2018, when Constable Jerome Coetzee, 38, along with two other officers, misled the young woman into believing she was under arrest for possessing drugs, only to later drive her to a secluded area and sexually assault her.
The court’s ruling, handed down by the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, concludes a long and emotional legal battle that has left the victim and the community reeling. The case was initially delayed in 2024 when Coetzee claimed illness, but he was ultimately convicted following a comprehensive investigation.
“This case is a stark reminder of the serious abuse of power that can occur within law enforcement,” said Phaladi Shuping, spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which led the investigation.
Justice served for the pregnant woman
Coetzee was eventually identified and charged with rape, and despite initially being expected to face sentencing in November 2024, the case faced delays due to his claimed illness. However, justice prevailed when he was dismissed from his police position in March 2024 following disciplinary action.
The victim, who has not been named, expressed her relief after the verdict, acknowledging the difficult road to justice. Although the sentencing provides some sense of closure, the case underscores the ongoing issue of abuse within the police force.
“It’s been a long journey for me, but I’m relieved that he will face the consequences of his actions,” the victim said after the ruling.
The case has sparked renewed concerns about police misconduct and abuse of power, especially involving vulnerable members of society. Local authorities and human rights organizations continue to call for better oversight of law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents from happening again.
