Ipid records 332 GBV cases involving police officers as on-duty rape allegations rise

An alleged rape involving an on-duty police officer was reported to South Africa’s police watchdog roughly every five days during the 2025/26 financial year, according to figures that have renewed concerns about police accountability.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) recorded 332 cases of alleged gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) involving police officers during the period.

Of these, 116 were rape allegations, up from 95 in the previous financial year. Ipid recorded 72 of the cases as allegedly involving officers who were on duty, while 44 involved officers who were off duty.

The figures raise questions about the conduct of officers entrusted with protecting the public, as well as the systems in place to identify misconduct and protect people who report abuse.

It is important to note that the figures reflect allegations reported to Ipid, not criminal convictions.

Criminologists raise alarm over police conduct

University of Limpopo senior criminologist Professor Witness Maluleke described the figures as embarrassing, saying they exposed the vulnerability of people who rely on police for protection.

He argued that the criminal justice system needed to be strengthened to ensure that members of the public were not victimised by those expected to safeguard them.

Maluleke said the reported cases were deeply concerning and called for urgent action to address alleged misconduct within the police service.

His concerns come amid broader questions about public confidence in law enforcement and the consequences when allegations of serious crimes involve serving officers.

On-duty rape allegations increase by 22%

Professor Kholofelo Rakubu, a criminologist at Tshwane University of Technology, highlighted the increase in reported rape allegations, from 95 to 116 in a year.

That represents an increase of approximately 22%.

She said the 72 allegations involving on-duty officers were particularly concerning because they raised questions about the possible misuse of police authority, internal supervision and institutional accountability.

Police officers have powers that include arrest, detention and investigation. Rakubu said these powers could create additional obstacles for victims when allegations involve members of the very institution responsible for receiving complaints and investigating crimes.

She argued that the issue should not be viewed solely as individual misconduct, but should also prompt scrutiny of the systems responsible for preventing abuse and responding to complaints.

Calls for stronger oversight and early intervention

Rakubu called for police management to strengthen early-warning systems that could identify patterns of alleged misconduct, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, intimidation and abuse of authority.

She said complaints should be assessed carefully to identify potential risks, with appropriate action taken where credible allegations indicate that an officer could pose a danger to the public.

Possible measures could include removing officers from duties that bring them into contact with potential victims or suspending them where warranted.

Rakubu also stressed that police authority must not be used to intimidate complainants or interfere with investigations.

The recommendations place renewed focus on how the police service handles complaints against its own members, including whether warning signs are identified early and whether investigations lead to appropriate disciplinary or criminal action.

Feminist organisation demands swift action

Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, director of feminist organisation Wise4Afrika, also expressed concern over the figures and called for decisive action against officers implicated in the allegations.

“Start with removing them from duty and preferring charges against all of them,” she said.

The reported cases add to ongoing concerns about gender-based violence in South Africa and the challenges faced by victims seeking justice.

While the figures do not establish guilt, they highlight the importance of independent investigations, fair processes and accountability whenever police officers are accused of serious offences.

For Ipid and the broader criminal justice system, the challenge is to ensure that allegations are properly investigated, victims are protected and any officers found guilty are held accountable.

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Source: The Citizen