Crimes of the South African Police Service

Policeman to face trial for alleged tampering with rape evidence

Policeman in court for apparently covering up a rape case involving his son.

Tereasa Ferrari | 8 August 2013

WATERVAL BOVEN – A policeman (50) who had allegedly tried to destroy evidence that would link his son to the apparent rape and attempted murder of a 19-year-old woman, appeared in court again last week.

He may not be identified as his son still has to plead to the charges against him. The accused allegedly visited the crime scene and removed items, which included bloodstained clothes and underwear, and apparently failed to hand it in as evidence.

Mpumalanga police spokesman Col Leonard Hlathi said on June 24 last year the young woman was apparently visiting a drinking establishment in the town together with her boyfriend (25) on June 24 last year.

He said the couple appeared to have known the perpetrator and were having drinks with him.

According to the boyfriend, the accused allegedly offered to accompany them home as he told them his father was a policeman and the latter would help them if they were caught driving under the influence.

Hlathi said while driving home in the boyfriend’s car, the accused started arguing with the couple and insisted the boyfriend stop the car. He then allegedly assaulted the latter, jumped back into the vehicle and drove away with the victim.

The accused drove to the Bloukrans area and stopped on a gravel road where he allegedly beat and raped her and left her for dead near a river. A source told Lowvelder he had also apparently tried to run her over with the vehicle.

The policeman is due to appear in the Middelburg High Court on October 9.

http://mpumalanganews.co.za/6744/policeman-to-face-trial-for-alleged-tampering-with-evidence/