Shocking figures reveal rise in rape allegations against SAPS officers

**Rape **allegations against police officers in South Africa have increased, with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recording 116 cases during the 2025/2026 financial year.

That is up from 95 cases in the previous financial year, while 72 of the allegations reportedly involved officers who were on duty when the incidents occurred.

The figures have renewed calls for police officers accused of rape and gender-based violence to be suspended while allegations are investigated.

IPID is responsible for investigating serious allegations of misconduct and criminality involving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

What IPID’s figures reveal

The 116 rape cases formed part of 332 gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases recorded against police officers during the financial year.

According to the reported figures, the cases included:

• 122 referrals

  , mainly involving domestic violence.

• 116 rape cases.

• 58 assault and torture cases.

• 24 murder cases.

• 10 cases

  involving the discharge of an official firearm.

Overall, IPID registered 5,259 cases of alleged police misconduct during the 2025/2026 financial year.

The increase in rape allegations has raised further questions about accountability within the police service, particularly when officers are accused of committing offences while on duty.

It is important to note that registered allegations do not necessarily result in convictions.

How many cases reach court?

IPID investigators made 281 arrests during the financial year.

By 31 March 2026, a total of 994 cases had been enrolled in court following recommendations by IPID that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecute police officers.

SAPS also concluded 277 disciplinary recommendations referred by IPID, with sanctions ranging from written warnings to dismissal.

IPID secured 84 criminal convictions during the year, including 26 relating to GBVF cases.

The figures highlight the different stages involved in dealing with alleged police misconduct, from the initial investigation and arrest to prosecution, disciplinary action and conviction.

DA calls for accused officers to be suspended

On 5 October, the Democratic Alliance (DA) called for all police officers accused of rape and GBVF to be immediately suspended from service.

The party also called for allegations to be investigated swiftly and thoroughly, with officers found guilty facing dismissal.

According to the DA, the 116 rape cases recorded by IPID amount to an alleged rape involving a police officer being reported approximately every three days.

The Independent Policing Union of South Africa (IPUSA) has also expressed concern about the figures.

IPUSA president Bethuel Nkuna highlighted the gap between the number of cases registered and the number of convictions.

The calls have placed renewed focus on how SAPS handles allegations against its own members and what measures are needed to protect victims while investigations are under way.

Concerns over police screening and accountability

Questions about police accountability have also been raised over the screening of officers against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO).

A parliamentary reply in 2025 reportedly revealed that only 245 of the police service’s approximately 180 000 members had been screened against the register.

Separately, Build One South Africa (BOSA) said fewer than 5% of police officers accused of murder and rape had been referred for prosecution.

These figures have contributed to concerns about the effectiveness of existing safeguards and the consequences faced by officers accused of serious crimes.

Police face renewed scrutiny

The latest figures come amid wider concerns about gender-based violence in South Africa, where violence against women remains a serious social challenge.

Separately, suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has appeared in court on charges including rape, human trafficking and child sexual grooming. He has not been convicted, and that case is unrelated to IPID’s annual figures.

The allegations against individual officers must be determined through the appropriate legal processes. However, the rising number of reported cases has intensified calls for stronger oversight and accountability within the police service.

The South African has approached SAPS for comment on the figures and the DA’s demand for the suspension of officers accused of rape and GBVF. A response had not been received at the time of publication.

This article will be updated if SAPS responds.

SHOULD POLICE OFFICERS ACCUSED OF RAPE BE SUSPENDED UNTIL THEIR CASES ARE FINALISED?

Let us know in the comments below …