Activists in Mitchell’s Plain have given police management until today (7 June) to meet a list of demands including the suspension of a police station employee accused of sexual assault.
Joanie Fredericks of Tafelsig Mitchell’s Plain CAN and Ladies Own Transport Services says she became aware of a case of sexual assault opened against a cleaner stationed at the Mitchell’s Plain Police Station earlier this month.
When asked to confirm the employment and merit of this claim, no response was received from the station.
Provincial police spokesperson WO Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the handing over of a petition received on behalf of police management on Wednesday 1 June. It was accepted by Capt Ian Williams.
“We know for a fact that once a perpetrator of rape is caught out, it is most likely at the end of countless rapes against many victims,” says Fredericks.
“Three victims lured by him with the promise of jobs fell into his trap and were viciously raped.”
According to Fredericks, the modus of the accused would be to use his position to approach women visiting the station.
She says he would listen to their stories and then approach them with the promise of work.
“His position of trust as employee of the very place where victims of crimes go to get help, makes his attacks the more disgusting,” says Fredericks.
In messages and documents in the possession of People’s Post, a woman has confirmed she too was approached via social media after leaving the station. She had however declined the job offer.
The name of the accused is known to People’s Post.
Swartbooi says the case is being investigated by the Mitchell’s Plain Family Violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Unit. “The matter is currently in court,” he says.
Eric Ntabazalila, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirms the suspect has made his first appearance in court.
“I can confirm that the accused appeared at Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates’ Court on Friday 13 May. He is charged with a count of sexual assault. The court released him on a warning despite the State’s request for him to be released on bail. The defence addressed the court that the accused did not have money. He was released with conditions that he must not communicate with the state witness and that he must not visit the Beacon Valley area. His case was postponed until Friday 24 June for further investigation.”
Swartbooi says police will run their own internal investigation.
“Kindly be advised that it is our policy to conduct a departmental investigation following any misconduct or criminal investigation against a member of the police, however this is an internal process between the employer and the employee and dealt with as such,” he says.
Fredericks says she is aware of at least three cases, with only one having made an official case.
She suspects there may be many more who have not come forward and encourages them to get in touch if they need support.
Fredericks collected 120 signatures from residents outside the court. She says an online petition will continue. “Violence against women of Mitchell’s Plain stops today,” she says.
