Cape Town - A gender-based activist has lauded the conviction of a Lwandle police officer, who was found guilty of raping a teenager after arresting her for drugs.
Constable Jerome Coetzee was convicted by the Wynberg Regional Court this week, more than six years after the incident where he raped the 18-year-old in the back of a police van.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, said the officer, based at the Lwandle Crime Prevention Unit, was found guilty of the rape that occurred in 2018.
“On July 4, 2018, three police officers, including Constable Jerome Coetzee, went to a house in the area to search for drugs. They searched the premises and found three packets of drugs and arrested an 18-year-old woman who was in the house.
“Constable Coetzee, who was driving the police vehicle, dropped off his two colleagues at the police station, while the arrested woman was in the back of the vehicle.
“He drove to a deserted area where he raped the woman inside the police vehicle.”
He said the teen reported the incident and identified Coetzee as her attacker. Coetzee was found guilty and the case was postponed to November 29 for sentencing. Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation, said they are horrified and disturbed by the case.
“The role of law enforcement is to protect and serve, yet here we see another tragic case where an officer became the very perpetrator of the crime he was sworn to prevent.
“This incident further underscores the grim reality faced by women in South Africa — we are not safe anywhere, not even in the custody of those who are supposed to uphold the law.” Peters said the rape statistics in South Africa remain alarmingly high.
“Between July and September 2023, over 11000 cases of rape were reported, and it is widely acknowledged that many more go unreported.
“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people — women, children, and vulnerable individuals whose lives are shattered by this violent crime.
“It is outrageous that our police force, an institution meant to protect us, has members who contribute to these horrifying numbers. We are relieved that justice has prevailed in this instance, and we commend the courage of the survivor for coming forward to report this heinous crime.
“We also express our gratitude to the Ipid for pursuing this case with the diligence it deserved.
“The conviction of Constable Coetzee sends a clear message that no one, not even those in positions of authority, is above the law.”
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus