Police watchdog IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) has apprehended a Paarl police officer, after he allegedly raped a woman at knifepoint on Friday 28 June 2024.
It is alleged that the 35-year-old woman and her friend were looking for a place that sells alcohol, at about 01h00, when the police official took them to a place. He invited them to his house after that. This is where the suspect reportedly forced himself on her while holding the weapon to her neck.

IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping explained what happened: They all went to a certain house where the police officer bought two beers, and asked the complainant and her male friend to come to his house. On arrival in the house, they drank the beers and the male friend later fell asleep on the couch. The police officer allegedly assaulted the complainant, put a knife on her neck and raped her,” detailed Shuping.
READ MORE: IPID probe nearly 200 cases of provincial police transgressions
The suspect appeared in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court this week where the matter was postponed to Tuesday 9 July for a formal bail application.