Bronkhorstspruit cop cleared

"Both the internal and criminal investigation revealed that the complainant and the alleged suspect had known each other for some time, communicated regularly prior to and after the alleged rape incident," Brigadier Neville Malila said in a statement.

 

The officer was found not guilty and acquitted in March. He was off-duty and travelling in his private car when he allegedly raped the woman on September 8, last year. It was reported to police five days later.

 

Malila said a rape case was registered and referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. The criminal matter was withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.

 

"We were greatly concerned when we heard reports of a police officer allegedly raping a member of the public. Equally worrying, were reports that the police officer's colleagues allegedly refused to open a rape case against the said officer," Malila said.