Senior police general arrested over alleged sexual offences

A 59-year-old senior police officer holding the rank of Lieutenant General has been arrested on charges relating to alleged sexual offences.

The officer was arrested on Monday, 21 September 2026, by members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).

In a statement on Monday the South African Police Service (SAPS) police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that the officer faces allegations relating to the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026.

He is also accused of allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.

The officer is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 September.

SAPS Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the arrest and condemned the alleged conduct, particularly amid the country's ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

Dimpane said police officers 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,” Dimpane said.

She stressed that rank or seniority should not place anyone above the law and said allegations of criminal conduct involving police officers must be investigated without fear or favour.