Two cops jumped the ship after rape implications

Two cops jumped the ship after rape implications

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Nelspruit – The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thulani Ntobela, announces the resignation of two Warrant Officers facing allegations of rape.

The members arrested on 24 June 2014 and 13 July 2014 at Ermelo and White River respectively.

A 52-year-old Warrant Officer stationed at Ermelo Vehicle Identification Unit Section (VIS) alleged that the member raped and impregnated a 17-year-old mentally ill teenager.

The mother of the victim who suspected that her child was pregnant uncovered the ordeal. She immediately took the girl to the clinic for diagnosis. The clinic nurses confirmed the pregnancy and the girl pointed the Warrant Officer as the responsible person. 

The disappointed mother reported the matter together with her mental ill daughter at the police station in Ermelo and laid a charge.

The suspect arrested immediately.

He appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 25 June 2014, and was granted bail of R1 000.

The second incident is against a 47-year-old Warrant Officer stationed at White River who arrested on 13 July 2014.

It’s alleged that he raped a 66-year-old woman in the plantations shortly after she had come to the station to report an assault incident.

He expected to appear again on 27 August 2014 after the White River Magistrate’s Court also granted him R1000 bail on 14 July 2014.

Lt General Ntobela though he is pleased with the quick arrest of these members, however finds no joy in what they accused of.

“A mentally ill teenager and a 66-year-old pensioner been having raped by two experienced police officials, these allegations are disgusting. We do not need such members within our midst,” said Lt General Ntobela.   

The Lt General has welcomed the decision by the two members who has since filed for termination of their services with the police. Their resignations do not imply that they will be immune from prosecution neither will it serve as a mitigation.

“This shows that no one is above the law irrespective of whether he or she is a member of the SAPS or not. He further encourages members to report any form of corruption or criminal activity.” He said.