POPCRU STRONGLY CONDEMNS ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT AT SAPS TRAINING ACADEMY

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) expresses outrage and deep concern over reports that a South African Police Service (SAPS) trainer has been arrested and removed from the SAPS Training Academy in Tshwane following an alleged rape of a female trainee.

This appalling incident represents a serious betrayal of trust and abuse of authority, and POPCRU unequivocally condemns any form of Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse (GBVC), especially when perpetrated by those entrusted with the training and development of future law enforcement officers.

We firmly believe that training institutions must be safe spaces where discipline, ethics, and professionalism are instilled — not where young recruits are subjected to fear and exploitation.

POPCRU calls upon the Divisional Commissioner of SAPS Training, Lieutenant General Zulu, to account for this failure and ensure a full, transparent, and independent investigation is conducted as a matter of urgency. Accountability must be pursued at all levels, and appropriate action must follow without delay.

We also want to make it categorically clear that this criminal act, while deeply disturbing, should not paint all SAPS trainers with the same brush. There are countless committed, disciplined trainers across the country who continue to serve with integrity, and we must not allow the actions of one individual to undermine their dedication.

POPCRU further calls for the following:

•           Immediate support for the affected trainee through the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHW), including access to psychosocial counselling and trauma support;

•           Enhanced screening and vetting processes for all academy personnel;

•           Stronger gender sensitivity and ethics training within all SAPS training facilities;

•           Public transparency in the outcome of investigations to restore public and internal confidence.

POPCRU remains committed to building a professional, ethical, and accountable policing environment, free from abuse, harassment, and intimidation. We stand in full solidarity with the survivor and urge SAPS to ensure justice is served swiftly and comprehensively.