PRETORIA: The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has voiced serious concern following the arrest of a senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officer linked to allegations of raping an 18-year-old woman and grooming a 16-year-old girl. The 59-year-old Lieutenant General was detained on Monday, 21 September 2026, by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team and is set to appear before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court today, 22 September 2026.
The Department finds these allegations profoundly troubling and unacceptable, especially given the critical role law enforcement officers play in safeguarding women and girls. This comes amid South Africa’s ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), calling for urgent, cross-sectoral action. The arrest is a positive step, demonstrating that the criminal justice system is actively addressing such issues.
The National Strategic Plan on GBVF emphasises accountability, coordination, and leadership as core components of a comprehensive response, alongside prevention, justice, survivor support, economic empowerment, and research. The creation of the National Council on GBVF has further strengthened the coordinated effort, tasked with providing strategic oversight and ensuring an effective multisectoral response. For effective protection, institutions must work together with clear roles, efficient information-sharing, improved referral systems, and measurable actions. Coordination is vital for safeguarding women and girls, determining whether victims are protected, allegations properly investigated, and justice achieved. The Department underscores the need for ethical leadership across all organisations involved in preventing and responding to GBVF. Leaders must uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for women and girls’ rights and dignity. When allegations involve individuals in positions of authority, institutions must actively demonstrate that power and seniority do not compromise accountability.
Addressing GBVF demands decisive leadership, systemic strengthening, accountability, and transparency. DWYPD commits to enhancing the implementation of the National Strategic Plan, collaborating with government agencies, law enforcement, the National Council on GBVF, civil society, and stakeholders to foster a coordinated, responsible approach. The Council’s legal framework mandates a multisectoral strategy, along with mechanisms for ongoing monitoring.
Protecting women and girls is a collective duty requiring leadership, coordination, and accountability at all levels. Although the police official’s case will follow due process, the overarching lesson is clear: those tasked with safeguarding vulnerable populations must be held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. DWYPD remains dedicated to building a society free from violence, abuse, and exploitation, where institutions respond with urgency, coordination, and leadership to Gender Based Violence and Femicide.
Media Enquiries: Cassius Selala, Head of Communication, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, 060 534 0672