PE police officer fired for alleged rape of 8-year-old girl – LNN

A South African Police Services (SAPS) officer has been fired over the alleged rape of an 8-year-old girl, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed on Monday, January 11, The Citizen reports.

According to IPID national spokesperson Ndileka Cola, the officer’s dismissal came after the investigative unit completed its report on the rape allegations.

Cola said the report recommended his dismissal, which was effective as of January 5, 2021. The officer worked at Kamesh police station in Port Elizabeth.

“In accordance with the IPID Act, Section 28 (1)(d), to investigate rape by a police officer, whether the police officer is on or off duty, IPID investigated the matter, which led to the arrest of the police officer in August .” 2020.

“He was subsequently released on bail of R5,000. He is under 24-hour house arrest with a strict condition that he is not allowed to have any contact with the complainant, the victim and the victim’s family.”

Cola said the matter is currently pending at the Uitenhage District Court.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has yet to determine whether the trial will be heard in the Regional Court or the Supreme Court and also set the trial date.

“Gender-based violence (GBV) cases are a high priority for IPID, so the investigation was completed expeditiously with recommendations for the officer’s dismissal from the SAPS, with further prosecution recommendations sent to the DPP.

“IPID does not tolerate any gender-based violence perpetrated by police officers. The colonel’s dismissal is welcomed. May this dismissal send a strong message to police officers that women’s bodies and rights should be respected.”