Despite being convicted of raping a woman in a police holding cell at Laingsburg Police Station, a Western Cape police officer remains employed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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This is according to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Robbie Raburabu, who said Constable Lizalise was found not guilty in an internal disciplinary hearing following the court ruling.
Explaining the criminal charges against the constable and the subsequent court ruling, Raburabu said the rape incident took place on 25 November 2016, when the 34-year-old victim was arrested on a charge of theft and detained at the police station.
‘While in detention, Constable Sentane entered her cell, grabbed the victim and started kissing and undressing her.’
‘When the victim resisted him, he then took out a firearm, pointed it at her and proceeded to rape her in the police cell.’
Raburabu said a case of rape was opened at a later stage.
IPID’s continued investigation led to Sentane’s arrest. The constable was then released on bail.
‘Recommendations were made by IPID for the member to be disciplined, but the employer (SAPS) acquitted him,’ said Raburabu.
‘Unfortunately, the member still serves as a police officer after his employer acquitted him at the disciplinary.’
In addition to being convicted in the Worcester Regional Court on a charge of rape, Sentane was also convicted on a charge of pointing a firearm.
Raburabu said Sentane will appear for sentencing in court on Wednesday, 1 November 2023.
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