Cop arrested for rape, robbery

2012-07-17 17:07

Pretoria - A Randburg police officer has appeared in court on charges of rape and robbery, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Moses Dlamini said Constable Moloko Kartos Molekwa, 30, appeared in the Hammanskraal and Randburg Magistrate's Courts, both on Monday, on two charges of rape and one of robbery.

"He was remanded in custody by the courts. He may apply for bail when he appears again next week," said Dlamini.

On Monday, Molekwa was arraigned in the Hammanskraal Magistrate's Court in connection with a crime on July 8.

Three men gave a woman a lift from Polokwane to Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. They stopped by the roadside and raped her, said Dlamini.

The woman was also robbed of her bank card and money was withdrawn from her account.

Molekwa appeared in the Hammanskraal court with his two co-accused. The matter was postponed to July 23.

The Randburg hearing took place on Monday afternoon. Dlamini said Molekwa had allegedly raped an 18-year-old woman in his car.

The incident apparently took place on June 30 and was reported on the same day at the Katlehong police station by the victim.

"The IPID was not notified as [is] required by the law. The rape was only reported [to IPID] on July 13 and the suspect was arrested," said Dlamini.

The Randburg Magistrate's Court postponed the matter to July 25.

Dlamini said the police watchdog was also investigating Molekwa for an attempted rape which took place in Polokwane in April.

Molekwa is expected to stand trial in Polokwane soon, relating to the attempted rape.

- SAPA