Rape
1Min
South Africa
Dec 12, 2025
A Phokeng police constable is set to appear in court on 15 December 2025, accused of raping a complainant he was assisting during a domestic dispute, highlighting serious concerns about police misconduct. The case comes shortly after South Africa concluded the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
A police officer stationed at the Phokeng Police Station in Rustenburg is set to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 December 2025, facing charges of raping a complainant he was assisting during a domestic dispute.
The incident reportedly occurred on 2 December 2025 when the officer, attending to a complaint between a couple who are both foreign nationals, allowed the boyfriend to leave to fetch his passport while allegedly threatening the woman and taking her to an office within the police station, where the alleged assault took place.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) took over the case on Thursday. During an identity parade, the victim positively identified the accused officer, who was arrested immediately and is currently detained ahead of her court appearance.
This case comes shortly after South Africa concluded the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocate for stronger protections for victims. IPID and law enforcement authorities have emphasised that sexual offences committed by police officers are treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to parliamentary data, nearly 15,000 police misconduct cases remain open in 2025, including allegations of sexual offences, corruption, and abuse of power. Advocacy groups and oversight bodies continue to stress the need for accountability and transparent investigations to restore public trust in law enforcement.
Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping Ihighlighted the importance of ensuring justice for victims. “Our mandate is to protect citizens and hold law enforcement officers accountable. Sexual offences within the police service undermine public confidence and must be addressed decisively,” Shuping said.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to this case or other allegations of police misconduct to come forward. The ongoing investigation shows the critical role of oversight bodies in maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s police service and ensuring that perpetrators face the full consequences under the law.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and stronger measures to protect victims of gender-based violence, even within law enforcement institutions.
