Former police officer sentenced to 15 years for rape

A FORMER police officer was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment after he was convicted of the rape of a 23-year-old woman who was incarcerated in the Barkly West police station holding cells.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane stated that the accused, Warrant Officer Anthony Sekutinyane, was a former member of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

"The incident occurred on August 8 2022, when the woman was detained at the Barkly West police station after her mother, who had obtained a protection order against her, called the police to intervene in a domestic dispute." 

He stated that during the night, the accused, who was the shift commander on duty, approached the holding cells and deceitfully informed the victim that he had paid R500 bail for her release.

"He demanded sexual favours in exchange. When the woman requested to call her sister to repay the supposed bail amount, the accused became aggressive and proceeded to rape her inside the cell. The complainant preserved her clothing, containing DNA evidence, which later confirmed the accused’s involvement. She reported the crime, leading to Sekutinyane’s arrest and dismissal from the SAPS." 

Senokoatsane said that during the trial, the accused claimed the act was consensual, alleging that he had merely “joked” about relieving stress through sexual intercourse.

"The court rejected the version of the defence. State prosecutor Oppelt-Henderson argued that Sekutinyane had grossly abused his authority and violated his oath to serve and protect. In aggravation of sentence, the prosecutor emphasised that the accused’s conduct had severely undermined public trust in the police and inflicted lasting emotional trauma on the victim. The court concurred, noting that law enforcement officers bear a heightened responsibility to uphold the law, not exploit their positions for personal gratification."

He added that Sekutinyane was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment in the Barkly West regional court.

"The court further ordered that his name be entered into the national register for sex offenders and that he be declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA welcomes this sentence, which reinforces the principle that no one is above the law. We hope the conviction will restore public confidence in the justice system and provide a measure of closure to the woman and her family."

Senokoatsane believed the sentence sent a strong message that those entrusted with public responsibility would face the full force of the law when they abused their authority and violated the rights of others.

"The NPA remains committed to aggressively prosecuting all cases of sexual violence, which infringe upon the rights to dignity and privacy enshrined in the Constitution," he indicated.

The sister of the complainant stated that the family was satisfied with the sentence and extended her gratitude to the investigation team and prosecution.

She added that the complainant was still extremely traumatised following her ordeal. 

Convener of Men Lets Talk, Gregory Nyongane applauded the dedication of SAPS investigators, the prosecution and the court in ensuring that justice was served.

"The abuse of power, particularly by law enforcement officers, must always be treated with the highest seriousness. We hope and trust that all cases of misconduct and abuse will be investigated and prosecuted with the same diligence, sending a clear message that no one is above the law," Nyongane added.