RANDBURG – A 59-year-old senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer holding the rank of lieutenant general has been arrested on charges relating to alleged sexual offences.

SAPS Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the arrest, which was carried out on Monday, 21 September, by members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).

The senior officer faces allegations relating to the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August, as well as the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman.

The alleged rape is reported to have taken place at a hotel in Sandton in May.

The officer was expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 September.

Dimpane condemned the alleged conduct, particularly against the backdrop of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

She said police officers have a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

“Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility. As the country continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, there can be no room for anyone within the police service who is alleged to abuse their position or violate the rights of women and children,” said Dimpane.

The acting national commissioner said efforts to combat GBVF must also include accountability within the police service.

“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law. Where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour,” she said.

Dimpane added that SAPS would continue to take action against members suspected of criminal conduct while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.

The arrest follows SAPS’s stated position that allegations of serious criminal conduct against its members should be investigated irrespective of rank or position.

The accused remains entitled to due process, and the allegations have not been tested in court.

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