Senior SAPS Lieutenant-General Arrested Over Alleged Grooming And Rape Of 16-Year-Old

A senior South African Police Service officer is facing serious sexual offence allegations after being arrested by members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).

The 59-year-old lieutenant-general was arrested on Monday, 21 September, and is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 September.

Police said the officer faces allegations relating to the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026, as well as the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May.

Senior Police Officer Arrested Over Sexual Offence Allegations

The arrest was carried out by the CRTT, a task team involved in implementing recommendations arising from the police accountability process.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the lieutenant-general was facing charges linked to two separate alleged incidents involving young women.

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Police have not publicly identified the senior officer or provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the allegations.

The allegations will now be dealt with through the criminal justice process, and the officer remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Lieutenant-General Faces Alleged Grooming And Rape Charges

According to SAPS, the alleged grooming of the 16-year-old girl is said to have taken place between July and August this year.

The second allegation involves an 18-year-old woman who reportedly accused the officer of raping her at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.

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The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of senior police officials and wider concerns around accountability within SAPS.

The lieutenant-general is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, where the allegations and the next steps in the case are expected to become clearer.

Acting National Commissioner Says Rank Cannot Put Officers Above Law

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the arrest and condemned the alleged conduct.

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

Dimpane said SAPS members have a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

She also stressed that accountability must apply within the police service itself, regardless of an officer’s position.

“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law.”

Dimpane said SAPS would continue taking action against members suspected of criminal conduct while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.