Urgent calls for accountability as police face rape allegations in South Africa

Activists and political leaders across South Africa are demanding urgent accountability after a series of disturbing allegations emerged against four officials from the country’s safety and emergency services, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City of Cape Town’s Metro Police and Fire & Rescue units. This unsettling revelation comes at a time when the nation observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, prompting deeper outrage and serious questions about the government's commitment to protecting survivors from heinous acts of abuse.

Recent data from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has brought to light a troubling situation within law enforcement, revealing that in the 2024/25 financial year alone, there were 95 recorded allegations of rape against SAPS officers, with 51 of these incidents occurring while the officers were on duty. The severity of these claims has sent shockwaves through communities already burdened by a lack of trust in policing.

Among the allegations is a particularly alarming incident involving a sergeant from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, a division specifically designed to support survivors of sexual violence. The officer is accused of taking an intern home and committing rape, raising concerns about the very individuals responsible for safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

Another incident has surfaced from Mbekweni, where a SAPS member is alleged to have raped a survivor in a separate encounter, further compounding fears regarding the safety of women in communities that struggle with policing challenges. The crisis extends beyond SAPS, as two city officials—one from Metro Police and another from Fire and Rescue—stand accused of raping a 24-year-old woman after allegedly stopping along the Du Toitskloof Pass.

Activists against gender-based violence (GBV) stated that the convergence of these cases has shattered public confidence in institutions designed to ensure safety.  Lisa-Maré Schickerling MP, the DA spokesperson on police issues, emphasised the gravity of these disturbing allegations, particularly during a campaign aimed at combatting violence against women.

 “No one is above the law,” said , pushing for a thorough and transparent investigation. She insisted that those entrusted with public safety must be held to the highest standards of conduct, emphasising the need for accountability.

Latifa Jacobs, a GBV activist and author, underscored how these incidents are symptomatic of a deeper failure within law enforcement. “When the very people meant to protect us become the perpetrators, it shatters more than trust, it shakes the foundations of our justice system.” Jacobs cited previous cases where women were assaulted while in police custody, arguing that South Africa requires law enforcement structures that prioritise the safety of survivors rather than the perpetuation of trauma.

Another activist, Vanessa Nelson of Hope For the Future NGO, lamented how many complaints against officers seem to vanish without action. “You register complaints and nothing happens,” she said, questioning the sensitivity and thoroughness of investigations against male officers in the FCS unit, given the nature of the violations reported. Nelson called for dedicated spaces within police stations where GBV survivors can report abuse confidentially.

IPID statistics reveal a stark picture of the issue at hand: there were 95 rape allegations made against SAPS officers, with 51 cases on duty, and a notable drop in custody-related rapes compared to the previous year. The prevailing concerns across the community are fuelled by the four recent allegations, signalling a critical juncture for public trust in South Africa’s justice and safety structures.

Activists are calling for immediate suspensions of all implicated officials, alongside urgent and transparent investigations. They seek comprehensive vetting and psychological screening for officers as well as dedicated GBV reporting facilities in every police station. Solutions must address the systemic issues that allow abuses of power to flourish unchecked.

In the wake of these allegations, SAPS confirmed that a 53-year-old captain attached to the Worcester precinct was arrested on charges of sexual assault. The captain is believed to be the subject of a previous rape charge in Robertson, which was later withdrawn. Sergeant Wesley Twigg from SAPS confirmed that the FCS sergeant has been arrested for rape and has since appeared in court.

Ruth Solomon, spokesperson for the City’s Metro Police Department, assured the public that the City takes all accusations seriously and that both officials have been detained since their arrest. She added that while SAPS leads the investigation, the City is conducting its own internal inquiry, with letters of suspension pending post-bail hearings.