Submitted by freenet on Tue, 24/05/2011 - 18:18
CHANNELS:
Pretoria - The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) must investigate rape complaints against police officers without fear or favour, says Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu.
Speaking during the 'ICD - Embrace Dignity Workshop' in Cape Town on Tuesday, Sotyu said rape was a lifetime trauma that should be severely punished.
During the 2009/2010 financial year, 12 police officers were charged with rape, while in 2010/2011, 35 police officers were charged.
Of these 47 cases, 18 police officers were found guilty; six were found not guilty; 12 cases were withdrawn, with 11 still pending.
"These statistics are disturbing and that is why there must be a thorough forensic support to investigate rape cases. Again, the SAPS Forensics must be called to assist for training and investigations of such cases," she said.
Sotyu urged the ICD to place obligations on SAPS management to take proactive steps when there are allegations of rape against a police officer.
"We want to ensure that in cases where a police officer is suspected of committing such crimes, that such a case is investigated by an independent body.
"This approach will go a long way in building public confidence in the police while at the same time, reinforcing government's commitment to ensure the most vulnerable in society are not abused by the very people who should protect them," she noted.
Sotyu called on the ICD to forge partnerships with professional partners to develop and obtain accurate rape statistics, and to ensure that rape cases are not under-reported.
"… The recently established Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units within SAPS should be considered as a main partner, as there are already 1 896 FCS investigators fully trained nationally. Having immediate sufficient experienced rape investigators is therefore critical," she added.
The purpose of Tuesday's workshop was to engage relevant stakeholders on the new legislative mandate of the Directorate and its approach to the investigation of rape. - BuaNews