A ‘sex pest’ police sergeant who used his authority to extort sex from a female prisoner inside a police station, will spend 10 years behind bars for rape and corruption.
Sergeant Philani Praiselord Mkhwanazi (43) was on Friday found guilty of both crimes at the Richards Bay Regional Court, two years after the incident.
In court, it was revealed that in November 2020, Mkhwanazi took advantage of the 32-year-old woman who was detained at eSikhawini police station for shoplifting.
According to the victim’s report to the police, before the incident, Mkhwanazi moved her from the holding cells into a separate room where he demanded sex in exchange for her freedom.
She told the court she gave consent only because Mkhwanazi had promised to release her.
In a surprising twist, the victim said after their sexual encounter, Mkhwanazi failed to honour the agreement and returned her to the holding cells.
She then informed another detainee about what had occurred. She reported it to another police official who took her statement and opened a case.
Throughout court proceedings, prosecutor Jomo Ngcobo led the victim’s case and a Victim Impact Statement was presented to court as evidence.
After the sentencing, the victim expressed that she is living in fear, lost her dignity, and has been ostracised by her family.
The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence.
“Public servants and government officials have a duty to protect citizens and not exploit them.
“The officer in this case took advantage of his position. We hope cases like this will deter like-minded individuals.
Well done to the prosecutor and colleagues from SAPS who contributed to the success of the case,” said NPA KZN division spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
Mkhwanazi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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