SAPS lieutenant general arrested on sexual offences charges

A 59-year-old senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer holding the rank of lieutenant general has been arrested on charges relating to the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman.

The officer was arrested on Monday by members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT), according to the office of SAPS Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.

The alleged sexual grooming of the 16-year-old is said to have occurred between July and August 2026.

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

The senior officer is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Dimpane welcomed the arrest and strongly condemned the alleged conduct, particularly as the country continues to grapple with gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility,” Dimpane said.

She said members of the police had a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

“As the country continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, there can be no room for anyone within the police service who is alleged to abuse their position or violate the rights of women and children,” she said.

Dimpane said the fight against GBVF must also include accountability within the police service.

“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law. Where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour,” she said.

She added that SAPS would continue taking action against members suspected of criminal conduct while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.

“The arrest demonstrates that SAPS will not shield members facing serious allegations of criminal conduct, irrespective of their rank or position,” the statement said.