DA Slams Alarming IPID Report on Police-Related Rapes and Corruption in Gauteng

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed deep concern over the shocking statistics revealed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in its 2023/2024 Annual Report, highlighting disturbing incidents of rape and corruption involving police officers.

According to the report, 110 rape incidents involving police officers were recorded nationwide, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 122. However, the figures still paint a grim picture, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng, which reported the highest number of such cases. KZN recorded 26 incidents, while Gauteng followed with 20 cases. Notably, six of these were committed while officers were on duty, with the remaining 14 occurring off-duty. The Eastern Cape reported 18 cases, while the Western Cape had 19, and the Northern Cape saw 14.

These findings come on the heels of a disturbing video showing two female police officers from the Heidedal Police Station in Free State assaulting a woman, believed to be a complainant in a domestic violence case. Another video surfaced, capturing police officers accepting bribe money from a suspected car thief, further fueling public outrage.

Crezane Bosch, DA’s shadow MEC for police in Gauteng, expressed alarm over the rising danger for residents in the province. She pointed to the 20 reported rapes and 37 corruption cases involving police officers, painting a bleak picture for the people of Gauteng who now face increasing uncertainty in their safety. Bosch questioned the trust that the public could place in the police when officers themselves are implicated in such serious crimes.

The IPID report also sheds light on corruption within law enforcement, with 79 cases of corruption reported nationwide. Gauteng alone accounted for 47% of these cases, with 37 incidents. Of these, 33 involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), while four involved metro police officers. Bosch decried the betrayal felt by residents, adding that the widespread criminality within law enforcement was undermining community safety.

Crime activist Yusuf Abramjee echoed these concerns, urging more rapid action from the SAPS Human Resources departments and faster IPID investigations. He stressed the need for a more resourceful Anti-Corruption Unit within the police, highlighting the ongoing crisis of criminality among officers.

In response to the Free State incident, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu condemned the actions of the two officers involved in the assault. He assured the public that both IPID and an internal SAPS investigation were underway to determine the facts and take appropriate action.

Mchunu acknowledged the strides made by IPID in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), pointing to the recent amendment of the IPID Act, which was assented to by the president in July 2024. While the battle against GBV remains a significant concern, Mchunu praised the progress being made in addressing law enforcement accountability.

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