SAPS officer charged with rape granted bail in Wynberg
Colonel Makhosandile Makara faces serious allegations of sexual assault and rape, raising questions about accountability within law enforcement as he is granted bail in Wynberg.
Image: File Photo
A senior officer from the Western Cape Protection and Security Services (PSS) has been granted bail following his appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, where he faces serious charges of sexual assault and rape.
Colonel Makhosandile Makara, who was arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on the evening of April 14, made his first court appearance.
The State alleges the 55-year-old officer sexually assaulted and raped his 44-year-old female subordinate in May last year.
In an unopposed bail application, the court granted Makara bail of R5 000, subject to strict conditions.
“The accused was granted bail with conditions that he must not have any contact with the complainant,” said IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping.
The matter has been postponed to May 27 to allow for further investigation and consultations between the accused and his legal representative.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of a worsening crime landscape in the Western Cape, in a province grappling with rising levels of gender-based violence where sexual offences remain a major concern.
Recent crime statistics show that while murder rates have slightly declined in the province, crimes such as rape, sexual assault and attempted murder have increased.
Police data indicates that sexual offences rose in the latest reporting period, with cases concentrated in some of the province’s most vulnerable communities.
Nationally, South Africa continues to face an entrenched epidemic of gender-based violence.
According to IPID, rape cases remain among the most serious offences under investigation, with dozens of cases reported annually involving members of law enforcement.
The watchdog notes that many incidents may go unreported, suggesting the true scale of the crisis is likely far greater.
According to IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping, Makara’s case forms part of a broader pattern of serious allegations against law enforcement officials.
As of the end of March, the watchdog had recorded 116 rape cases nationally.
The Eastern Cape accounted for the highest number at 22 cases, followed by Gauteng and the Western Cape with 21 cases each.
IPID said 65 of these cases have already been finalised and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
Convictions in similar matters have resulted in sentences ranging from eight to 25 years’ direct imprisonment.
Makara remains out on bail as the investigation continues.