Pressure mounts as officers charged with sex crimes

DEEPENING MISTRUST

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

ACTIVISTS and political leaders across South Africa are demanding urgent accountability after a series of allegations of sex crimes emerged against four officials from the country’s safety and emergency services, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City of Cape Town's Metro Police and Fire & Rescue units.

This revelation comes at a time when the nation observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, prompting deeper outrage and serious questions about the government's commitment to protecting survivors from heinous acts of abuse.

Recent data from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has brought to light a troubling situation within law enforcement, revealing that in the 2024/25 financial year alone, there were 95 recorded allegations of rape against SAPS officers, with 51 of these incidents occurring while the officers were on duty.

The severity of these claims has sent shockwaves through communities already burdened by a lack of trust in policing.

Among the allegations is a particularly alarming incident involving a sergeant from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, a division specifically designed to support survivors of sexual violence. The officer is accused of taking an intern home and committing rape, raising concerns about the very individuals responsible for safeguarding vulnerable members of society.