A senior police officer with more than three decades of service is facing serious rape allegations that have shocked both the police force and the public.
On Wednesday, a 59-year-old police captain appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court after being accused of raping a 20-year-old female trainee at the Tshwane Police Academy, where he worked as a firearms instructor.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident stems from an encounter in April 2025, when the young trainee allegedly walked past the captain without saluting him. He reportedly reprimanded her, accusing her of being disrespectful, despite her explanation that she hadn’t seen him.
The situation escalated on May 6, when the trainee was walking with her group back to their accommodation. The captain allegedly called her into his office, closed the door, and then threatened to have her dismissed unless she agreed to have sex with him. He is accused of partially undressing, ordering her to do the same, and then raping her. After the incident, he allegedly told her to get dressed and leave.
The trainee reported the assault to academy authorities. She was immediately taken for medical care and referred to the Laudium Thuthuzela Care Centre for further support. The police arrested the captain the next day, and the matter was handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.
The court has postponed the case to May 23 as the accused’s bail application has been contested.
This case has added to growing concerns about abuse of power and sexual violence within the ranks of law enforcement.