JOHANNESBURG - A senior police officer has been arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old girl in a hotel in Sandton in May.
He also faces charges relating to the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the 59-year-old officer, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General, was arrested on Monday by the members of the Commission's Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).
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The officer is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the arrest.
In the same breath, she condemned the alleged conduct, which comes as the country faces mounting cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
"Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility," she said.