Picture: SAPS’ Lieutenant General arrested for rape

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 September 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the arrest of a senior police officer (59) holding the rank of Lieutenant General on charges relating to sexual offences. The arrest was effected on 21 September 2026, by members of the Commission Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).

Dimpane said the senior officer faces charges relating to the alleged sexual grooming of a girl (16) between July and August 2026, as well as the alleged rape of a woman (18). She further said the alleged rape is reported to have occurred at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.

“The senior officer is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 September 2026. We strongly condemned the alleged conduct, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence and femicide (GBVF).

“I would also like to emphasise that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse and exploitation,” added Dimpane.

She said the police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. Dimpane said they cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility.

“As the country continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, there can be no room for anyone within the police service who is alleged to abuse their position or violate the rights of women and children.

“The fight against GBVF must begin with accountability within the ranks of the police. Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within our own organisation. Rank, position or seniority cannot place anyone above the law,” she said.

Dimpane said where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour. She said that SAPS will continue to take decisive action against members who are suspected of criminal conduct, while respecting due process and the independence of the criminal justice system.

“The arrest demonstrates that SAPS will not shield members facing serious allegations of criminal conduct, irrespective of their rank or position,” concluded Dimpane.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

13 May 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed the arrest of 11 suspects following the discovery of a multi-million rands drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in North West. The suspects include four Mexican nationals and one woman.

Dimpane said the intelligence-driven operation was executed by the National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations and a National team from the DPCI. She said this intelligence-driven operation resulted in the successful dismantling of the drug lab and the arrest of the suspects.

“We commend the members for their continued commitment in dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in the manufacturing and distribution of drugs. The latest drug bust must send a stern warning to criminals that the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains resolute and relentless in the fight against crime.

“We will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug networks operating within our communities,” said Dimpane.

She said last week alone, police arrested 280 suspects for dealing in drugs and a further 2573 suspects for possession of drugs during operations conducted across the country. Dimpane added that the police investigations into the matter are continuing.

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