A senior police official, 59, holding the rank of lieutenant general, is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday on charges of allegedly grooming a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026, and raping an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.
The high-ranking police officer was arrested on Monday night, September 21, by members of the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the man is facing charges relating to sexual offences.
“The senior officer faces charges relating to the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026, as well as the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman.”
Strongly condemned
Mathe said the alleged rape is reported to have occurred at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.
The senior officer is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has welcomed the arrest.
Dimpane strongly condemned the alleged conduct, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
She emphasised that members of the South African Police Service have a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation.
“Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility.”
“As the country continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, there can be no room for anyone within the police service who is alleged to abuse their position or violate the rights of women and children,” Dimpane said.
Accountability within SAPS
She further stressed that the fight against GBVF must begin with accountability within the ranks of the police.
“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law. Where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour,” Dimpane said.
She added that SAPS will continue to take decisive action against members who are suspected of criminal conduct while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.
“The arrest demonstrates that SAPS will not shield members facing serious allegations of criminal conduct, irrespective of their rank or position.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
