Wynberg Magistrates Court.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
A senior police officer attached to the Western Cape Protection and Security Services (PSS) has been granted R5000 bail following his appearance at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on charges of sexual assault and rape.
Colonel Makhosandile Makara, who was arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Tuesday made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
The State alleges that the 55-year-old officer sexually assaulted and raped his 44-year-old female subordinate in May 2025.
In an unopposed bail application, the court granted Makara bail of R5000, subject to strict conditions.
“The accused was granted bail with conditions that he must not have any contact with the complainant,” said IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping.
The matter has been postponed to May 27 to allow for further investigation and consultations between the accused and his legal representative.
Nationally, South Africa continues to face an entrenched epidemic of gender-based violence. According to IPID, rape cases remain among the most serious offences under investigation, with dozens of cases reported annually involving members of law enforcement. The watchdog notes that many incidents may go unreported, suggesting the true scale of the crisis is likely far greater.
According to Suping, Makara’s case forms part of a broader pattern of serious allegations against law enforcement officials. As of the end of March 2026, the watchdog had recorded 116 rape cases nationally. The Eastern Cape accounted for the highest number at 22 cases, followed by Gauteng and the Western Cape with 21 cases each.
IPID said 65 of these cases have already been finalised and referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision. Convictions in similar matters have resulted in sentences ranging from eight to 25 years’ direct imprisonment.
Cape Times