According to reports, a cleaner at the Mitchells Plain police station in Cape Town lured women to his place of business under the pretense of finding them jobs before raping them. Political parties and activists alike applauded the decision to suspend him while the claims are being investigated.
Following pickets outside the Mitchells Plain police station and an online petition demanding his dismissal, the alleged rapist was suspended.
On Thursday, August 25, the petition’s creator and Tafelsig activist Joanie Fredericks made the announcement that the cleaner accused of rape had been suspended without pay.
The petition, which was started about three months ago, has more than 9000 supporters. It demanded that the accused be placed on suspension until the cases against him have been finalised.
“His position as an employee at the very institution where victims go to seek protection, makes his attacks all the more EGREGIOUS!” said Fredericks in the initial statement.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, confirmed to the Cape Argus that the Mitchells Plain police station employee has been suspended while the investigation continues.
“It is our policy to conduct a departmental investigation following any misconduct or criminal investigation against a member of SAPS,” said van Wyk.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Constituency Head in Mitchells Plain, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the party welcomed the suspension and wants an urgent investigation into the matter.
“If the allegations prove to be true, it places even more doubt on the competencies of SAPS to prevent violent crime, since it is alleged that it happened at the police station.
“A police station should be a place where South Africans feel safe. Residents of Mitchells Plain should not be afraid of being a victim of crime when visiting their police station,” said Mackenzie.
SOURCE: The South African
