Ipid reports 332 GBV cases against police as on duty rapes surge
Figures mean that alleged rape involving on-duty police officers was reported to Ipid approximately every five days in the past year.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has revealed a concerning surge in gender-based violence (GBV) cases involving South African police officers during the 2025-26 financial year. The agency reported 332 GBV cases allegedly linked to police personnel, with 116 of these cases involving alleged rape. This marks a 22% increase from the previous year, with 72 of the 116 alleged rape cases involving officers on duty.
Ipid's figures indicate that an alleged rape by an on-duty officer was reported to authorities approximately every five days, highlighting a pressing issue of public safety and the need for urgent action. Prof Witness Maluleke, a criminologist, emphasized the embarrassment of these statistics and the vulnerability of victims targeted by those entrusted with their protection.
Criminologist Prof Kholofelo Rakubu from Tshwane University of Technology noted a contradiction within the criminal justice system, questioning the abuse of police authority and the potential misuse of state powers. Rakubu suggested that police officers should undergo individual risk assessments and, if necessary, be removed from duties involving victim interaction.
Feminist organization Wise4Afrika's Brenda Madumise-Pajibo called for swift action, advocating for the removal of officers from duty and prosecution of all involved. These Ipid figures, which refer to allegations reported but not criminal convictions, underscore the urgent need for institutional accountability and reforms to address the misuse of police authority.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
