Other stations with officers who had GBV cases opened against them in the province are the Makhado cluster, Mara, Mphephu, Polokwane, Rooiberg and Hlogotlou.
The information is contained in a reply to a parliamentary question.
The minister of police, Bheki Cele, confirmed that police officers at various stations are alleged to have been perpetrators of GBV. It is still unclear if these officers are still in active duty in spite of these serious charges as the police have not responded to the questions sent to them.
Police spokesperson Col Moatshe Ngoepe referred the Herald to the provincial head of communication, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo who also did not respond at the time of going to press.
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Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (DAWN) in Limpopo is deeply concerned by the police officers in the province who are accused of GBV.
“It is concerning that the very people who have been given authority and entrusted to protect members of society, including women, have become perpetrators of GBV. This problem is further compounded by the recent spate of GBV cases in the province,” said provincial DAWN chairperson, Desiree Van der Walt.
Also read: GBV cases on the rise in Limpopo
Van der Walt, who is also a member of parliament claims that the province is currently losing the battle on violence against women with the 2019/20 crime statistics for Limpopo showing that 8519 cases of crime against women were reported.
She said that the minister’s reply further revealed that GBV related crimes that have been reported against the police officers nationally range from domestic violence to rape and include attempted rape, statutory rape, common assault and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm amongst others.
“This raises serious issues around the social accountability of police officers and begs the question how can women trust the police,” she asked.
She further said that DAWN in Limpopo believes that policemen should be upstanding pillars of the community and have a responsibility to respond to, as well as prevent violence against women through enforcing the law.
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Police officers should never abuse their power and become perpetrators of GBV.
She added that DAWN remains committed to standing up to and playing a role in stamping out the prevalence of GBV in society.
