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Latest Media releases |
12 January 2002 The Independent Complaints Directorate wishes to confirm that it has investigated an alleged rape involving Sergeant Stuurman who is currently stationed at Claremont police station. The incident occurred in Claremont in the Western Cape in February 1999. It is alleged that Sgt Stuurman, who was on duty travelling in a marked SAPS vehicle raped a female sex worker after arresting her for prostitution. It is alleged that after the said rape the suspect police officer took the victim to a petrol station and dropped her there. The ICD took charge of the investigation, completed the investigation and forwarded the case docket to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with a recommendation that the suspect police officer should be prosecuted. The DPP concurred with our recommendation. A warrant of arrest was issued and the ICD arrested Sgt Stuurman on 09 January 2002. He applied for and was granted R1000 bail by the Wynberg Regional Court on 10 January 2002. His next appearance will be in the said Court on 09 March 2002 and 11 March 2002. It is also important to mention that the DPP declined to prosecute in respect of the allegation of assault which was also investigated against Sgt Stuurman. SAPS policy with regard to police officers charged with serious offences such as rape is that these officers should be suspended. The decision to suspend lies within the competency of the Station Commissioner of SAPS Claremont. It is an administrative decision which he takes with regard to disciplinary action against Sgt. Stuurman, and it is a decision which does not require an ICD investigative report, since the ICD investigative report is one which pertains to the criminal investigation. Our investigations into
allegations that two police officers stationed at the same station are implicated
in assault and crimen injuria cases is still pending while the SAPS departmental
action against the said members is also pending. Further developments in the said
cases will be reported in due course. Steve
Mabona | ||
