Colonel Makhosandile Makara is alleged to have sexually assaulted and raped his 44-year-old female subordinate in May 2025. Image: SAPS
Police
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South Africa
Western Cape police granted bail in rape and sexual assault case
A senior police officer accused of raping and sexually assaulting a subordinate has been released on bail, with strict conditions imposed by the court.
A Western Cape Protection and Security Services colonel accused of rape and sexual assault has been granted bail of R5,000 by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
The accused, 45-year-old Colonel Makhosandile Makara, appeared in court on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, where bail was approved under strict conditions. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted and raped his 44-year-old female subordinate in May 2025.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that Makara must not have any contact or communication with the complainant.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), 116 rape cases had been reported as of the end of March 2026. The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of cases at 22, followed by Gauteng and the Western Cape with 21 cases each.
IPID further revealed that 65 of these cases have been finalised and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision. Several convictions have already been secured, with sentences ranging between 8 and 25 years of direct imprisonment.
The case against Makara has been postponed to 27 May 2026 to allow time for consultation between the accused and his legal team.
