ICD condemns rape of woman in N.Cape holding cell

The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) in the Northern Cape has condemned the police at the Transvaal Road Police Station in Kimberley. This follows an incident in which a 19-year-old female detainee was repeatedly raped by four male detainees, who were locked up with her in a single cell.

The woman’s calls for help during her rape ordeal were allegedly ignored by the five officers on duty. The woman was arrested for public drinking last month.

The ICD's provincial spokesperson, Dan Morema, says they have recommended that the five police officers be punished.

"The decision as to whether to suspend or not lies with the police, our recommendation is just a recommendation … There will be a formal hearing and then the members will be subjected to a fair hearing…" says Morema.

Police spokesperson Tshepo Mofokeng says the four suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrates Court next month.

"The members (of the police) maybe warned … (or they) maybe suspended, or face charges where they will have to pay a certain fee … Normally, members who conduct serious misconduct within the SAPS may even be expelled," says Mofokeng.