State made compelling argument to keep rape-accused CT cop behind bars, says magistrate
The 41-year-old constable is charged with two counts of rape after he allegedly forced himself on a 26-year-old woman who was a detainee at the Mfuleni police station, where the officer was a cell guard.
Picture: Pixabay.com
CAPE TOWN - The magistrate presiding over the rape case of a Cape Town policeman said the State was able to convince the court to keep the officer behind bars.
The 41-year-old constable appeared at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on Thursday, hoping to be granted bail just in time for Christmas.
He's charged with two counts of rape after he allegedly forced himself on a 26-year-old woman who was a detainee at the Mfuleni Police Station, where the officer was a cell guard.
READ: Cape Town cop accused of rape denied bail
The magistrate said the accused failed to persuade the court that letting him go home on bail would be in the interest of justice.
The magistrate did not mince his words when handing down judgment on the police officer's bail application.
He said that based on the State's evidence, the court was of the view that the officer abused his power and that his alleged actions would forever haunt the victim.
"When one looks at the victim in these circumstances, being in the police cells for the first time, not knowing what to expect, stressed, traumatised, the applicant person saw then an opportunity to act in the manner in which it is alleged by the State to have acted in these circumstances."
He added that the alleged actions of the accused were shocking and brought the police's name into disrepute.
READ: WC top cop Patekile says number of officers on wrong side of the law concerning