A lieutenant-colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad has been suspended after allegations of raping a 15-year-old girl in De Aar surfaced on August 26.
A LIEUTENANt-colonel attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad has been suspended after allegations of raping a 15-year-old girl in De Aar surfaced on August 26.
It is believed that no arrests have been made yet.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the matter was immediately reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) in order to investigate and arrest.
“Internal disciplinary processes in terms of SAPS Disciplinary Regulations of 2016 were instituted against the officer, who has since been suspended,” said Gamieldien.
“All enquiries relating to the criminal case will be responded to by Ipid,” she added.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, reaffirmed that no preferential treatment within the ranks of the organisation would be permitted, especially when members were implicated in criminal activities or gross misconduct.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Youth Crime Prevention Desk provincial secretary, Vusi Nogonyothi, has expressed outrage over the “shocking display of blatant impunity and shameful disregard for justice” over the alleged failure of authorities to arrest the senior police officer.
“It is a disgraceful betrayal of the principles of accountability and equality before the law. Such a flagrant display of favouritism and double standards not only tarnishes the reputation of the entire police force but also perpetuates a dangerous precedent that those in positions of authority are allowed to operate above the law with impunity. The failure to hold this senior police officer accountable, not only mocks the concept of justice but also sends a chilling message that the powerful are untouchable,” said Nogonyothi.
He added that senior police officers should receive the same treatment as civilians.
“It is almost a month since the alleged incident and the senior police officer is free to roam the streets,” Nogonyothi observed.
