The SA Communist Party in the Joe Slovo district has called for the SAPS provincial commissioner and management to be investigated for their “failure” to arrest a senior police official who allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl in De Aar three weeks ago.
THE SA Communist Party (SACP) in the Joe Slovo district has called for the SAPS provincial commissioner and management to be investigated for their “failure” to arrest a senior police official who allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl in De Aar three weeks ago.
SACP Joe Slovo district secretary Ntamehlo Sivuyile pointed out that the police were obligated to execute an arrest and suspend the official before handing the docket over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
Sivuyile questioned whether the suspect, a lieutenant-colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad, was receiving preferential treatment because of his alleged close ties to the SAPS provincial management.
He also noted that a case was opened against certain members of the Kimberley Flying Squad for allegedly robbing foreign nationals, yet no arrests have been made.
“As the SACP, we cannot allow a process where some individuals are treated differently,” he said. “That is why the SACP is of the view that the actions of the SAPS provincial commissioner need to be investigated. We are also of the view that the national Ipid office should take over the case from the provincial office, as there is a risk of bias and conflict of interest at the provincial level.”
Sivuyile added that he had called on the Department of Safety and Liaison, as well as the Public Service Commission (PSC), to investigate and give direction to ensure that law and order are enforced impartially and without bias.
“We cannot allow inconsistencies that result in lawlessness within the South African Police Service. Our intention is to escalate the matter to the Office of the Public Protector, the relevant portfolio committees and the minister of Police.
“Through the actions of the SAPS leadership, we are of the view that our government has failed us. We are seriously disappointed and appalled by this, especially since it was only last month that the president of the country was here in the Northern Cape leading a call for all men across South Africa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide.”
SAPS provincial spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers stated that the alleged rape incident involving a lieutenant-colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad on August 12 in De Aar was promptly reported to Ipid for investigation and arrest.
“Internal disciplinary processes, in accordance with SAPS regulations, are currently unfolding,” said Ehlers.
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The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, reiterated that no preferential treatment within the ranks of the organisation would be tolerated when members are implicated in criminal activities or serious misconduct.
PSC provincial commissioner Anele Gxoyiya stated that they would investigate the complaint.
“We have received the complaint from the SACP … and will process it accordingly,” he said.
