SAPS lieutenant-general arrested over rape, grooming allegations

A 59-year-old SAPS Lieutenant General faces rape and sexual grooming charges involving two young women, including a 16-year-old girl.

Members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team arrested the senior officer on Monday, 21 September.

Police allege he sexually groomed the teenager between July and August 2026.

He also faces a rape charge after an 18-year-old woman allegedly reported being attacked at a Sandton hotel in May.

The officer is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 September.

Dimpane condemns alleged conduct

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the arrest and condemned the allegations.

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

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

She added that the allegations were particularly serious as South Africa continues to confront gender-based violence and femicide.

“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.

‘Rank cannot place anyone above the law’

Dimpane said accountability had to apply equally inside SAPS.

“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law,” she said.

“Where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour.”

She said SAPS would continue acting against members suspected of criminal conduct while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.

Police said the arrest showed that members facing serious criminal allegations would not be shielded because of their rank or position.

The Lieutenant General is due before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.