A police reservist who allegedly raped a homeless man looking for shelter from the cold was brought to court by his own colleagues on Monday.
But while the young officer made his first appearance in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court, his fellow cops were out searching for a second suspect in the rape.
A skinny Charles West, 22, stood in the dock with drooped shoulders as he faced charges of rape and intimidation.
Wearing a white England top and jeans, he appeared briefly and was told he would have to remain behind bars until his next appearance.
The State has opposed bail citing the safety of the 39-year-old victim as the main reason.
The homeless man whose identity is known to the Daily Voice is recovering in a Cape Town hospital following his ordeal.
It is alleged that the homeless man approached police officers who were smoking outside Bellville Police Station and asked them for shelter from the cold weather on Thursday evening.
Little did he know the men he went to for help would allegedly turn against him.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesman Moses Dlamini says: “The victim allegedly spoke to police officers who were standing outside the police building and he was told to wait until 18.00.
“As he was waiting, he was called by an unknown SAPS member who was wearing civilian clothes.
“The victim was allegedly taken to a room at the back of the station where he was handcuffed.
“The police officer allegedly told the complainant that he wanted to search him, the complainant duly agreed to be searched.
“Then the police officer pulled down the victim’s pants and underwear.
“It is alleged that the suspect then raped the victim.”
The victim went to hospital the next day and told a health worker that he had been raped by a police officer.
“The IPID was informed and it launched an investigation,”says Dlamini.
“A criminal case of rape was opened and is being investigated by IPID.”
The homeless man helped the IPID investigators arrest West.
“The suspect was spotted among a group of police officers who were sitting in a boardroom,” says Dlamini.
“The victim pointed out the suspect who was then arrested immediately by IPID investigators.”
Court papers reveal the homeless man said he didn’t feel the suspect handcuffing him.
State prosecutor Andile Ngiba said: “The accused took off his trousers and penetrated him anally.
“After the alleged rape the accused threatened to kill him if he told anyone about the incident.
“We oppose bail because of the threats and there is an outstanding suspect.
“We also fear that the life of the complainant may be in danger.”
West slouched and dropped his head when he heard he would be spending at least another week behind bars.
*This article was published in the Daily Voice