IPID notes disturbing trend of police officers picking up women at taverns, allegedly raping them
On Friday, a former Kei Mouth investigator was sentenced to 20 years for raping of a minor.
Picture: @SAPoliceService/X
JOHANNESBURG - The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in the Eastern Cape says it has noted a disturbing trend of victims who are raped by police officers.
On Friday, a former Kei Mouth investigator was sentenced to 20 years for raping of a minor.
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Thembalethu Gqeku raped the girl in 2022 after picking up her up under the pretext of getting a statement for a case that she had opened against her partner.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping says they welcome the former detective’s sentencing.
"The department has noted a trend where victims allege that they were being raped whilst being picked up from taverns, which is a concern. IPID would also like to acknowledge the support from the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape for the providing of emotional support to the victim while they also ensured that she was ready for trial, which lasted for about four months since Jan 2025."