The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has expressed grave concern following the arrest of a senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer in connection with allegations of rape and the grooming of a minor.
The 59-year-old Lieutenant General was arrested on Monday, 21 September 2026, and appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The DWYPD said the officer is facing allegations involving an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl.
Department spokesperson Cassius Selala said the allegations are deeply troubling and unacceptable, particularly given the critical role law enforcement officers play in safeguarding women and girls.
“This comes amid South Africa’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), calling for urgent, cross-sectoral action,” Selala said.
He said the arrest demonstrates that the criminal justice system is taking action against allegations of this nature.
Selala also pointed to the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which identifies accountability, coordination and leadership as key pillars of the country’s response, alongside prevention, justice, survivor support, economic empowerment and research.
The establishment of the National Council on GBVF has further strengthened the coordinated response, with the Council mandated to provide strategic oversight and support an effective multisectoral approach to addressing GBVF.
Selala said the effective protection of women and girls requires institutions to work together, with clearly defined roles, efficient information-sharing, improved referral systems and measurable interventions.
“Coordination is vital for safeguarding women and girls, determining whether victims are protected, allegations properly investigated, and justice achieved,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of ethical leadership across institutions responsible for preventing and responding to GBVF.
Leaders, he said, must uphold integrity, professionalism and respect for the rights and dignity of women and girls.
“When allegations involve individuals in positions of authority, institutions must actively demonstrate that power and seniority do not compromise accountability.”
He added that addressing GBVF requires decisive leadership, strengthened systems, accountability, and transparency.
“DWYPD commits to enhancing the implementation of the National Strategic Plan, collaborating with government agencies, law enforcement, the National Council on GBVF, civil society, and stakeholders to foster a coordinated, responsible approach.”
The Council’s legal framework provides for a multisectoral strategy and mechanisms for ongoing monitoring of the national response to GBVF.
Selala said protecting women and girls is a collective duty requiring leadership, coordination, and accountability at all levels.
While the case against the police official will be subject to due process, he said those entrusted with protecting vulnerable people must be held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to building a society free from violence, abuse and exploitation, where institutions respond to GBVF with urgency, coordination and leadership. – SAnews.gov.za
