Keletso Mkhwanazi

RAPE IN POLICE CUSTODY | An undocumented Tanzanian national alleges that he was stopped by police officers in Katlehong and requested to produce a passport. He was unable to furnish one as he did not have it and was consequently arrested for being in the Republic of South Africa without the relevant documentation. He was conveyed to Katlehong SAPS for detention. On the same day, between 19:00 and 20:00, while he and other suspects were being processed before being taken to the holding cells, he requested permission to use the toilet but was told to wait. After being processed and having his fingerprints taken, one of the police officers escorted him to a public toilet situated inside the main police station building. The victim alleges that while he was urinating at a cubicle next to the window, the police officer used another cubicle next to him. He claims he noticed the officer looking at his penis. After the victim finished urinating and attempted to close his trousers, the officer allegedly stopped him and said that he wanted to look at the victim’s penis. It is further alleged that the officer pulled the victim back as he attempted to close his zip and asked whether he could “help” him. The victim said he wanted to leave, but the officer allegedly moved closer and instructed him to open his zip, which he did. The officer allegedly held the victim’s penis in an attempt to arouse him and asked the victim to hold it so that it could become erect. When the victim refused, the officer allegedly put the victim’s penis into his mouth and licked it. The officer then allegedly instructed the victim to enter a toilet cubicle, followed him inside and partially closed the door. The officer allegedly pulled down his uniform trousers, turned around and instructed the victim to insert his penis into the officer’s anus. The victim alleges that he complied because he was shaken and scared. No condom was used. The encounter was brief, and the victim ejaculated inside the officer. At that moment, someone knocked on the toilet door, to which the officer responded that he was not yet finished. The officer allegedly partially pulled up his trousers, used toilet paper to wipe himself and then used the same toilet paper to wipe the victim’s penis. They subsequently left the toilet. The officer allegedly instructed the victim to remain silent and not tell anyone what had happened. The victim alleges that he was sobbing at this stage but was told to pretend as though nothing had occurred. The officer then escorted the victim to the holding cells, booked him in and issued him with a copy of his rights. IPID is investigating the matter.