Seshego - A Limpopo policeman appeared in the Seshego Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of rape and corruption, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) said.
“His appearance follows his arrest by the Ipid on February 21,” spokesman Moses Dlamini said in a statement.
Dlamini said the rape took place on February 1 when a 26-year-old woman went to the officer's house in Seshego Zone 5 to seek help with personal problems.
The officer was said to also be a pastor in the Zion Christian Church who helped people with various problems.
“It is alleged that the suspect ordered the victim to undress and to have sexual intercourse with him as this was allegedly part of the church ritual needed to cleanse the victim of bad luck,” Dlamini said.
“The victim alleges that the suspect forced himself on her.”
Dlamini said the man then allegedly offered his commander a bribe of R3 000 after he had found out about the alleged rape. The bribe was for the commander not to report the matter to Ipid.
“It is also alleged that the suspect offered the victim R50 000 to withdraw the case.”
A trap was set for the man and he was arrested when he allegedly came to pay off his senior officer.
Dlamini said the unit was investigating allegations that other police officers were paid off by the man not to report the rape to Ipid.
“He was granted bail of R2000 and the case was postponed to 14 April 2014,” said Dlamini.
Sapa