Cops accused of rape released

2008-07-17 22:23

Johannesburg - Twelve policemen accused of raping or physically abusing 15 prostitutes were released when they appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

"They were released pending further investigation and warned to appear again in the same court on August 14," said police spokesperson Xoli Mbele.

The officers, aged between 20 and 36, were arrested in Johannesburg on Friday last week when one of the prostitutes laid charges.

"The woman alleges that she was arrested and raped in police cells. She was allegedly not allowed to open a rape case the following morning and she went to the media, and only then was a case opened," said Mbele.

More women came forward, also claiming they had been physically abused by police officers at a police station.

They alleged that officers usually threatened to arrest them when the women refused to offer them bribes, said Mbele.

The women have since lodged a complaint with the Independent Complaints Directorate that is currently investigating the matter.

- SAPA