An Mfuleni police officer appeared in court after he allegedly raped a woman in custody at the weekend. Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
An Mfuleni police constable who is alleged to have raped a female detainee at the local police station, tried to cover his face as he stood in the dock at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court.
Siyabonga Mbane, aged 40, who was a cell guard on duty, made his first appearance on Monday.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said he has been charged with two counts of rape and the matter postponed to December 9 for bail information.
Prior to this case, Mbane had a pending domestic violence matter against him.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which is investigating the matter, the cop was arrested on Saturday.
Mbane allegedly booked the detainee out of the holding cell, took her to an office under the pretence of assisting her with her case and then proceeded to take her to an empty cell.
“The 26-year-old victim alleges that she was raped by the accused in an empty cell, thereafter, she was taken back to her cell where she was locked with seven others. The incident allegedly occurred in the early hours of November 28, 2024. The victim was detained for allegations of kidnapping and attempted murder and was locked with seven other female detainees.
“The victim reported the incident to the police officers who started their shift in the morning. The incident was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the police officer was arrested,” said IPID’s Lizzy Suping.
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said they trust that IPID will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served.
“We strongly condemn all forms of gender-based violence, especially when perpetrated by those in positions of authority. It is profoundly disturbing that those entrusted with the responsibility to serve and protect the public are the very individuals committing such heinous acts. Abuse of power by law enforcement officers, particularly in settings where individuals are most vulnerable, is unacceptable. Incidents like this must not be taken lightly, as they undermine the public's trust in institutions meant to ensure safety and justice,” said Monakali.
Meanwhile, six people were killed in shooting incidents in the Mfuleni policing precinct.
Five men were murdered in a hail of bullets at about 1.30pm when two gunmen stormed into a shack in Madikizela informal settlement on Sunday.
While a manhunt is ongoing, provincial police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile who visited the scene on Monday on the corner of Polisa and Deputy Streets, said the incident might be extortion-related.
“What we know is that there was somebody the shooters were looking for and they did not find the person in the house, we have now been informed that he's one of the leaders in the extortion groupings,” he said.
A man was also gunned down in extension 2, and a 12-year-old child wounded.
ANC Police Oversight and Community Safety spokesperson Benson Ngqentsu condemned the shooting incidents including the killing of five people which he said seemed like a well-planned operation.
“While the motive might still be a subject for police investigation, given the related historical incidents, this incident could be linked with the crisis of the extortionist enterprise criminal network.
“We have consistently advocated for the strengthening of Intelligence Services as a crucial measure to combat this scourge.”
Cape Times