A 59-year-old police captain from the Tshwane Police Academy has been granted R8,000 bail following allegations of serious misconduct, including rape and sexual assault, involving two female trainees. The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court made the decision on Monday, amidst growing concern and outrage across the country.
The charges against the senior officer stem from an incident where he allegedly coerced a 20-year-old trainee into a compromising situation in his office, with threats tied to a misconduct report. A second trainee has since come forward with
This incident comes at a particularly troubling time, as Gauteng has seen a marked rise in sexual assault cases involving police officers. According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), nearly 30 cases were reported in 2025 alone, representing a 35% increase from the previous year.
In response to the trauma, the first victim has received emotional and legal support at a Thuthuzela Care Centre, a specialized facility dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
The case has reignited the national conversation about accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS), drawing attention to the abuse of power and the systemic issues facing law enforcement. Critics are calling for stronger measures to ensure transparency and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The matter is expected to return to court in the coming weeks, with many waiting to see how the legal system will address these serious allegations and whether reforms will be put in place to safeguard vulnerable individuals within the police force.
