POLICE minister Bheki Cele has been accused of protecting a top cop who allegedly raped a junior official in Kuils River, outside Cape Town more than 10 years ago. Cele is believed to be the one who recommended that this top cop, who cannot be named as he hasn't been charged, be recruited as head of an important division even though he has the pending rape charges against him. Cele and the official reportedly shared a cell in Robben Island as political prisoners during the struggle.

IMPLICATED IN CORRUPTION

Former police commissioner Khehla Sitole initially suspended the official when he was implicated in corruption allegations in 2020 but he was reinstated after a Gauteng High Court ruled in his suspension was null and void. Sitole was also awaiting for the finalisation of the officer's rape case before he was forced to resign.
Cele has recently appointed the official to another senior police position even though the minister was allegedly made aware the officer's rape docket would be handed over as to the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Thembisile Patekile.

CASE OPENED 12 YEARS AGO

Zimoja can reveal that there is a rape case that was opened in 2010 against the senior cop that is alleged to have occurred at the Kuils River outside Cape Town.        "The woman was a junior at work and the officer took advantage of her. The law must play its role but that will never happen because the top cop has Cele in his corner. How can a rape case that was open in 2010 be not in court by now. It's sad and it is a disgrace to our people because Cele is supposed to be protecting that woman who was abused at the hands of her senior. It's wrong and they are aware about case," the source said.

iNVESTIGATED BY IPID

When Cele's spokesperson Lirandzu Themba was contacted for comment on the mentioned above allegations she said:
"From what we understand NPA declined to prosecute this matter. HR related matters can be best directed and answered by the SAPS. Please refer all queries to the NPA," she said. Another source told Zimoja that the case involving the top cop was being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate but they have not contacted the victim who is known to Zimoja but cannot be named since she fears for her life. "The sad part is that the law is not doing justice to this woman. She was transferred from her policemstation but the main culprit is being awarded with other senior positions within SAPS. I really doubt that this case will ever be heard in court. Cele is protecting his friend over protecting a citizen," said the second source. The top cop was contacted but did not answer his phone, questions were sent but he did not answer. National Prosecuting Authority Phindile Mjolongwane had not responded at the time of publication. The HR manager and IPID asked for questions but did not respond.