High-ranking cop still ‘at large’ following rape allegations

THE FAMILY of a young girl from De Aar, who was allegedly raped by a high-ranking SAPS official attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad, believe that the perpetrator is being shielded from prosecution as he has not been arrested or suspended yet.

The 15-year-old girl’s father stated that they intended to protest outside the De Aar police station, calling for steps to be taken against the suspect who holds the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

He believed that his child’s safety was at risk as the suspect was still working in De Aar.

“My daughter is extremely traumatised and does not want to go to school. She has not been offered any counselling.”

He claimed that he failed to receive any co-operation from the authorities or the police when he opened the case two weeks ago.

“We were informed that the suspect accused us of framing him and that he would not face any consequences.

“It was only after I visited the Department of Safety and Liaison on August 28 that the matter was given any attention. It is shocking that no action has been taken when the charges involve a minor and are so horrific and serious.

“I am involved in the community policing forum (CPF) and if this is the sub-standard treatment I receive, how will ordinary members of the public be treated?”

According to the allegations, the girl accepted a lift from the suspect after a choir meeting on August 12 at around 8pm, as they attended the same church.

It is believed that they drove in a branded police vehicle to a guest house, where the suspect allegedly raped her.

He apparently gave her Kentucky Fried Chicken before dropping her off at home.

He allegedly fetched her two days later, on August 14, and took her to the same guest house where he attempted to rape her.

The complainant reported the incident despite being warned not to tell anyone.

SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the matter implicating a 46-year-old SAPS Lieutenant-Colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad in the rape of a minor in De Aar on August 12 had been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for investigation.

Head of communications at the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Rennie Andrias, confirmed that they were aware of the alleged incident.

“The Ipid is busy investigating the matter and we must allow them space to finalise the investigation.”

Ipid had not responded to media enquiries at the time of publication.

Moral Regeneration Movement provincial chairperson Reverend Dr Fatima Malo stated that they would engage with the National Prosecuting Authority to speed up the investigation.

“Cases must be investigated in a consistent manner, regardless of the rank of the perpetrator. The allegations should be tested in court where the suspect is not given bail until the finalisation of the trial.”

Northern Cape CPF public relations officer Themba Gomba said they would ensure that the complainant and her family were offered the necessary support.

“The allegations are highly disturbing especially since two weeks have passed without an arrest. Justice must take its course, no one is above the law especially when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide offences.”