Cape Town - A Detective Sergeant is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court for allegedly pouring boiling water over his wife.
The victim was severely burned after the incident, which occurred last Tuesday.
A source said: “She was burned all over her body, after he threw water on her. She is still in hospital and can’t even speak. The officer is still in jail. He is expected to make an appearance in court this morning for attempted murder.”
Police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (Ipid) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed the incident.
“Ipid confirms that this incident was reported to the directorate and it is under investigation.”
Anti gender-based violence NPO Ilitha Labantu spokesperson, Siyabulela
Monakali, said they were outraged by the incident involving the Claremont police officer.
“It is both alarming and heartbreaking to learn that the survivor is currently hospitalised and unable to speak due to the severity of her injuries,” said Monakali.
“It is particularly troubling that those entrusted with the responsibility to serve and protect are the ones perpetrating such horrific acts of violence. This incident underscores a profound betrayal of trust and highlights the urgent need for systemic change within our law enforcement agencies. We strongly condemn this brutal act and call for a rigorous and transparent investigation into the matter.”
The organisation appealed to the justice system to apply the law without bias.
“Ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable and that the survivor receives the support and protection she needs during this incredibly difficult time.”
Philisa Abafazi Bethu founder, Lucinda Evans, said she was shocked and gutted that a police officer would allegedly perpetrate such a crime against his wife.
“Yet again we see that the behaviour of some police officers leaves much to be desired. I cannot understand an organisation as big as the South African Police Services, that doesn’t have compulsory supervision and debriefing and doing mental health checks with their staff members, and we would see more of these kinds of behaviours.
“Domestic violence within this organisation is something that we don’t speak a lot about, because the protection measures to protect the protectors are not in place. Many of the members don’t want to go for mental health checks or psychosocial support, many have reported in the past that this goes on their record and is used as a measuring tool for some type of promotion,” said Evans.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
Cape Argus