A new warning has been sounded over alleged rape cases involving law enforcement officers in Gauteng, with experts saying the reported numbers may not show the full scale of the problem.

The 2024-25 annual report from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate revealed 27 alleged rape cases involving police in Gauteng. The cases included members of the South African Police Service, municipal police departments and traffic officials.

The same report recorded 928 overall crime cases involving law enforcement officers during the period.

Activist Says Women Have Been Failed

Gender-based violence activist Sihle Sibisi, from the Kwanele Foundation, said the figures showed that police had failed women.

She said officers should be properly assessed before being allowed to serve, adding that the people behind the uniform must be fit for the job.

Sibisi also warned that the official figures may not reflect the real picture. She said police have access to dockets and can allegedly make cases disappear.

She said the situation sends a painful message to women who need help. For many survivors, reporting rape is already difficult. Having to report to a service facing these allegations makes it even harder.

Sibisi called for officers accused of such crimes to be named and shamed, saying communities deserve to know who they are dealing with.

Criminologist Calls Cases “Tip of the Iceberg”

Professor Witness Maluleke, a senior criminologist at the University of Limpopo, said the allegations were shocking because police are meant to protect the public.

He said reported rape cases involving police were likely only the “tip of the iceberg”, as rape remains underreported in South Africa. Some cases are also dealt with privately and never reach law enforcement agencies.

Maluleke said the findings should not be ignored. He called for stronger oversight, further investigations and action against officers accused of criminality.

He also said police management must clean up the service and ensure officers follow the code of conduct, rules and regulations.

Calls Grow for Urgent Accountability

DA Gauteng legislature member Michael Sun said the figures raised serious concerns about accountability, oversight and the safety of residents, especially women.

He said rape allegations against police were not only criminal, but a betrayal of public trust. Sun called for urgent accountability to restore trust in the badge and protect Gauteng residents.