A high-ranking official from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) will be facing charges of rape and kidnapping.
The charges against the suspect (whose name is known to our offices) is suspected of raping several girls, ranging from pre-teen to adolescent ages, in a veld outside Soweto, and then offering them money to keep silent.
In correspondence between the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, and representative from the Democratic Alliance (in our possession), it was confirmed by Nkosi-Malobane that the suspect had not been suspended, nor any further action taken against him, and furthermore that there are several hundred other police officials under investigation for serious crimes, that are still in their positions and getting full benefits.
According to the MEC, the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID), the National Prosecuting Authority and the SAPS are currently investigating the charges against the officer.
“Ekurhuleni residents’ safety should be the first priority of the EMPD – to have an alleged rapist in the employ of the EMPD does not instil confidence in the work of the metro police,” said the DA representative, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“The suspect should do the honourable thing and step down from his position at the EMPD, until investigations have been concluded,” she added.
Lieutenant Colonel Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesperson, had this to say:
“This is one of the most complex and grave cases we have had to deal with thus far. There is information that is so sensitive that we are not at liberty to divulge in full at this stage as it might jeopardise the criminal case.
“The suspect was re-arrested in February this year and subsequently released on bail of R10 000. His next court appearance is in October 2016, at the Palmridge High Court.
“This case has been prioritised from within the Justice Cluster and hence the most senior prosecutor from the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office has been identified to handle it.
“The pre-suspensions hearings that were held on two occasions could not result in the suspension of the suspect as there were technical intricacies involved with regards to the SALGA Collective Agreement which prevented the EMPD from suspending him.
“Nevertheless, the EMPD has started administrative internal processes aimed at bringing the suspect to a disciplinary hearing wherein the necessary action will be taken in accordance with and commensurate to the gravity of the matter.
“Kindly bear with us as you would eventually fully realise and appreciate our reasons for not giving the full picture before the case sits in October 2016.”
The COURIER will keep an eye on any developments in the case and keep our readers updated accordingly.
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