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Ex-cop found guilty of rape

SANDI KWON HOO SANDI.KWONHOO@INL.CO.ZA

A 43-YEAR-OLD former police officer, Wayne Myabeka, was found guilty of rape by the Kimberley Magistrate's Court.

Myabeka was initially charged with the rape of an adult in November 2019 as well as a minor, while the matter was also investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said yesterday that Myabeka was acquitted of the rape charge involving the minor, as there were too many “contradictions” in the State’s case.

“The minor was not related to him. She only knew him because he was a well-known police officer.”

Senokoatsane added that Myabeka was found guilty of two charges of rape involving the second complainant.

Senokoatsane said that Ipid immediately became involved in the investigation as Myabeka was still employed as a police officer at the time of the rape allegations.

“He was not on duty at the time of the incidents although he was still in the service of the SAPS.”

Senokoatsane noted that Myabeka had remained in custody since his arrest.

Myabeka was found guilty on Wednesday and sentencing will take place on February 9.

Ipid noted that there were instances where cases were withdrawn after the complainants were offered payment by the accused.

NEWS

en-za

2022-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

http://diamondfieldsadvertiser.pressreader.com/article/281530819411179

African News Agency