Two police officers out on bail after rape conviction

A 29-YEAR-old survivor from Upington has lost faith in law enforcement and the justice system after two police officers, who were convicted and sentenced for raping her, remain out on bail.

- SANDI KWON HOO

The incident occurred in 2017 when the complainant asked the police officers for a lift to town. Instead, the officers, who were known to her, took her to their residence and raped her in turn.

She said she was 19 years old at the time and questioned why the trial took eight years to conclude.

"I fled from my home following the incident. My son, who was two years old at the time, had to grow up without me. The accused, who are attached to Upington police station and border police, only spent one hour in the holding cells after their arrest and have been on bail ever since. If they win their appeal, they will get off scot-free, while I have been fighting a fruitless battle for justice. I am afraid they may come back to intimidate me and my family. The way this case was handled leaves me with more doubts and unanswered questions."

She added that she had attempted suicide following the incident and still lives with trauma.

"I survived after overdosing on medication. I used alcohol to numb the pain. The accused were only suspended for two months without pay after the incident, but then returned to work and had access to their firearms."