A police Lt General appears in court on rape and sexual grooming allegations

A senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in connection with allegations of rape, trafficking in persons and the sexual grooming of a child.

The 59-year-old Deputy National Commissioner faces five charges, including rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexual grooming of a child.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges relate to alleged incidents between 16 May and 3 August 2026 involving an adult female complainant and a 16-year-old child.

The State alleges that the accused sexually groomed the child through electronic communication and is also linked to an alleged incident of rape involving the adult complainant.

He faces a further charge of trafficking in persons arising from allegations involving three individuals.

The State requested a seven-day postponement to allow for the enrolment and hearing of a formal bail application.

The matter was postponed to 29 September, when the accused is expected to return to court for bail proceedings.

The State indicated that it would oppose bail and present its case in accordance with the applicable legal process.

The NPA said it remained committed to prosecuting cases without fear, favour or prejudice, regardless of the position or status of an accused person.

The accused has not pleaded to the charges.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the accused remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.