IPID probes rape allegation against a Pietermaritzburg police officer

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating an incident in which a 44-year-old police officer based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is accused of raping a 26-year-old woman.

The rape allegedly took place at the Pietermaritzburg Police Station while the officer was on duty in early August.

IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed that the accused officer has been granted bail of R5 000 after appearing in a local magistrate’s court.

“It’s alleged that on the 15th of August 2024, a complainant a 26-year-old woman went to a police station to open up an affidavit and whilst assisting her, he raped her. The incident is being investigated by Ipid and we have taken it over to further investigate,” Shuping stated.

The officer appeared in court on Monday, facing charges of rape. The case has been postponed to October 11, 2024, for further investigation.

The complainant reported the incident to her family, who took her to the Mountain Rise Police Station to open a case. The matter was then reported to IPID, leading to the officer’s arrest.