Durban metro probing rape claims
2013-08-30 07:19
Johannesburg - An internal probe is underway
into claims that a metro policeman demanded sex from prostitutes and filmed
them against their will, Durban metro police said on Thursday.
"The metro is investigating what is going on and dealing with the suspension procedures," said Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi.
"The investigation will determine the way forward."
The New Age reported on Thursday that lawyers for the Women's Legal Centre (WLC) said the officer could be charged with rape.
WLC spokesperson Sithuthukile Mkhize told the newspaper she assumed the prostitutes refused to have sex with the officer and he forced himself on them.
"This constitutes rape in terms of the Sexual Offences Act. And yes, women can lay a criminal charge against him for sexual assault or rape," she was quoted as saying.
The prostitutes were operating from Durban's Point precinct.
According to the report, the footage was discovered by the officer's now ex-girlfriend after she opened two files on two cellphone memory cards she found.
The constable reportedly filmed himself having sex with at least five prostitutes.
Msomi said the investigation would determine how many officers were involved and whether criminal charges would be laid.
"According to information, there could be more than one person involved, but that will come out once the investigation is completed," he said.
"If there is a criminality involved, the matter will be referred to the director of public prosecution."
He said the officer was still at work because, according to the police's disciplinary and suspension procedures, an officer could not be suspended until he had stated his side of the story before a disciplinary hearing.
"The metro is investigating what is going on and dealing with the suspension procedures," said Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi.
"The investigation will determine the way forward."
The New Age reported on Thursday that lawyers for the Women's Legal Centre (WLC) said the officer could be charged with rape.
WLC spokesperson Sithuthukile Mkhize told the newspaper she assumed the prostitutes refused to have sex with the officer and he forced himself on them.
"This constitutes rape in terms of the Sexual Offences Act. And yes, women can lay a criminal charge against him for sexual assault or rape," she was quoted as saying.
The prostitutes were operating from Durban's Point precinct.
According to the report, the footage was discovered by the officer's now ex-girlfriend after she opened two files on two cellphone memory cards she found.
The constable reportedly filmed himself having sex with at least five prostitutes.
Msomi said the investigation would determine how many officers were involved and whether criminal charges would be laid.
"According to information, there could be more than one person involved, but that will come out once the investigation is completed," he said.
"If there is a criminality involved, the matter will be referred to the director of public prosecution."
He said the officer was still at work because, according to the police's disciplinary and suspension procedures, an officer could not be suspended until he had stated his side of the story before a disciplinary hearing.
- SAPA
