Senior SAPS lieutenant general arrested on grooming and rape charges

A senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer has been arrested on sexual offence charges, the police said. The accused is described by SAPS as a 59-year-old lieutenant general facing allegations of grooming and rape.

Allegations and locations

According to a SAPS statement released on Monday, the lieutenant general faces charges relating to the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026, and the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.

Police response and accountability

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, welcomed the arrest and condemned the conduct in the context of the country’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

Dimpane added that the fight against GBVF must include accountability within the police service and that rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law. She said investigations into credible allegations must proceed “without fear or favour” and that SAPS would take decisive action while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.

“The arrest demonstrates that SAPS will not shield members facing serious allegations of criminal conduct, irrespective of their rank or position,” the police statement said.

Next steps in the legal process

The case is expected to be heard at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, the statement said.

Context

SAPS framed the arrest as part of its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide and to holding members who are suspected of criminal conduct to account, the statement added.