Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
MEC STATEMENT ON THE RAPE INCIDENT IN BENONI POLICE CELLS
The Ministry of Public Safety and Security in Gauteng Province, condemns the disgraceful conduct of the police officials who were on duty when an 18 year old girl was raped twice in police custody by a male inmate in Benoni Police cells.
The Ministry calls for an immediate Internal Investigation into the matter. This shameful act puts the SAPS into disrepute and is unacceptable.
The Ministry calls for the speedy laying of criminal charges against those officials involved. Indeed the ethicacy of management is put into question.
For, how can it be explained that a woman can be raped when two members of the service are asleep whilst on duty? How can the cell door be left unlocked at night which then allowed the culprit to gain access to the victim's cell if proper management is in place?
In this regard the Station Commissioner should seriously account for such gross negligence. The Ministry supports the suspensions which have been effected through instructions of the rovincial Commissioner. Investigations should go into the root of the problem so as to ensure that not only suspensions are effected but dismissals if need be. The SAPS should have no room for people with such conduct in its midst.
Such unprofessional conduct can only lead to reinforce the perception that the increasing number of people escaping from prisons is as a result of gross negligence, a matter which can not be tolerated especially at a time when government is taking drastic steps to reduce crime in our province.
ISSUED BY: MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY ENQUIRIES: MBULELEO MUSI CONTACT NO: 0825713591 15 July 1996