The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recorded 116 rape cases allegedly involving police officers during the 2025/26 financial year, up from 95 cases the previous year.
Of the 116 cases, 72 allegedly involved officers who were on duty, while 44 involved officers who were off duty.
The figures have raised concerns amid South Africa’s ongoing gender-based violence and femicide crisis.
Forensic investigator Chad Thomas said there should be “absolutely no excuse” for police officers accused of GBVF and called for those found responsible to be removed from the police service.
“There are going to be bad apples. There are going to be rapists among them. There are going to be hardened criminals among them. We have to root them out,” Thomas said.
He also warned that underreporting remains a major challenge, particularly when victims have to report alleged crimes involving members of the police service.
Thomas stressed that GBVF is a nationwide problem requiring stronger accountability and effective responses to protect victims and ensure justice.
