SAPS instructor arrested over alleged rape of trainee
The suspect, who was swiftly arrested following the report, is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
In condemning the actions of the instructor, Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed the following: 'We welcome the swift removal and subsequent arrest of the instructor. This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers.
'To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve our nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable. This incident stands in stark contrast to the values and ethics we expect of our officers. It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day.
'The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been tasked with the matter and we urge them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served. We call for swift internal processes to be followed.
'The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message — no one is above the law.'
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has ensured that the victim receives the necessary medical care and ongoing emotional and psychological support services.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
28 minutes ago
- The South African
Tragedy on Chapman's Peak: Cyclist killed in collision with tour bus
A tragic crash on Chapman's Peak Drive on Saturday morning has left the cycling community in mourning, following a fatal collision involving two cyclists and a tour bus. According to an eyewitness report, the incident occurred at the first picnic area on the famed route. RELATED | SA rower Kerry Grundlingh killed in Johannesburg cycling accident The tour bus was turning right when it collided with two cyclists who were heading towards Hout Bay. Tragically, one of the cyclists died at the scene. The second cyclist was airlifted to hospital via emergency helicopter. Sources on the scene said the surviving cyclist appeared to be in stable condition, though the full extent of their injuries has not been confirmed. Emergency services, paramedics, and traffic officers responded swiftly, and the area was closed off for several hours while an investigation began. Cycling groups, road users, and members of the public have expressed shock and sadness at the accident. 'Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the cyclist who passed away,' said a local riding club. 'This is a tragic reminder of the risks cyclists face, even in areas designed to celebrate the joy of riding.' Chapman's Peak Drive is a popular route for both local and international cyclists, known for its breathtaking views but also its winding, narrow curves and blind spots. The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released pending official identification and family notifications. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation. This developing news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
SAPS leads major crackdown on illegal mining, arresting 1,000 immigrants in Barberton
SAPS's Operation Vala Umgodi leads to the arrest of approximately 1,000 illegal immigrants in Barberton, marking a significant step in the fight against illegal mining in South Africa. Image: Supplied The South African Police Service (SAPS) achieved a significant milestone in its efforts against illegal mining with the arrest of approximately 1,000 illegal immigrants at a mine in the Barberton area of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, on Friday. The operation, part of the ongoing initiative known as Operation Vala Umgodi, represents a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and associated crimes in the country. Operation Vala Umgodi, in collaboration with the mine's security, was involved in the week-long operation. Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, in a statement on Friday, said the K9 Unit, Task Force, Vukalanga Security, and members from the Combat and Proactive team started the operation on Monday. Mdhluli said the illegal miners resurfaced due to the pressure from law enforcement agencies, who managed to halt the supply of resources. 'It has been discovered through the operation that most of the miners, if not all, are foreign nationals without valid documentation to be in the country. It was also discovered that some of these miners could be underage,' he said. As a result, Mdhluli said police are working in conjunction with officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Minerals and Energy, the National Prosecution Authority, as well as other law enforcement agencies. He said the suspects could possibly be charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as other charges in relation to illegal mining and trespassing. 'More charges may be added as the operation and investigation continue,' he said, adding that the nationalities of the arrested suspects remain to be established through collaboration with Home Affairs officials. Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said Barberton has been presenting challenges in terms of crime. He said police had previously made a commitment to heighten visibility in the area, with continuous operations being carried out. 'We are not reluctant when a person is found on the wrong side of the law; we arrest, end of the story. We are also grateful for the collaboration with the mine, which made it easy and possible to execute the operation successfully,' said Mkhwanazi. Police said the number of suspects is expected to increase as more illegal miners resurface, and those who were apprehended will soon appear in court. In a separate incident in Polokwane on Thursday, provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Masekela Magoro said the Sekhukhune Vala Umgodi Task Team launched a focused, high-impact operation in response to ongoing reports of illegal red chrome mining in Tweefontein. 'During the operation, the police confronted active illegal miners. While some suspects managed to slip away into the bushes, a 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with illegal mining,' he said. In the Northern Cape on Wednesday, 18 suspects were arrested for alleged illegal gemstone mining in a swift operation by Prieska law enforcement, said police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers. Acting on intelligence, the team descended on a mountainous area 7.5 km outside Prieska, where suspects were reportedly engaged in illicit mining, said Ehlers. The male suspects, aged between 21 and 60, were apprehended at the scene on charges of contravening the Illicit Mining Act, Act 28 of 2002. 'Mining implements suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime, as well as bags containing what is believed to be gemstones, were confiscated,' she said.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Carte Blanche: Deadly deliverance- WATCH
The 03 August episode of Carte Blanche investigates shocking allegations at a Christian rehabilitation centre where staff members are facing criminal charges and a resident was allegedly beaten to death. Behind its promise of healing through scripture, former residents describe a harrowing reality marked by abuse, torture, starvation, and coercive practices, including being cable-tied and denied basic care. While the centre claimed to offer spiritual restoration, disturbing reports suggest a deeply toxic environment hidden behind closed doors. Carte Blanche is a South African investigative journalism television series that airs on M-Net every Sunday at 19:00. Its first episode aired on 21 August 1988 and over the last 34-plus years has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
