Outcry as cop gets 4 years in rape case

AN HIV-positive policeman who impregnated a 15-year-old girl got away with a slap on the wrist when he was sentenced to just four years in jail for statutory rape.

The constable’s particulars will also be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) had a hard time investigating the case as the teen’s family sided with the policeman.

The Ipid therefore could not bring more charges against him.

“The family had made statements in favour of the police officer. They were not cooperating but we had to continue with the case.

“We could not even take the girl for blood tests to determine whether she was HIV-positive or negative because of the fam- ily, ” said Ipid spokeswoman Grace Langa.

The married constable stationed at Matsulu outside Mbombela, Mpumalanga, had sex with the girl over some period of time.

The schoolgirl gave birth to a baby boy on August 3 last year. The policeman was found guilty by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on June 25.

“The police officer knew that he was HIV-positive but still had unprotected sex with the girl. There was a risk of infecting the child with HIV,” Langa said.

“The family knew about the ongoing sexual engagements.”

Sowetan understands that the girl comes from a poor family and the constable had promised them money provided they dropped the charges.

“But, due to the interest of the child, Ipid could not drop the charges. The NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] agreed with us. We then pursued the case,” said Langa. “The officer was on anti-retroviral treatment at the time when he had sexual intercourse with the girl.”

NPA spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku said the case was opened by social workers after they were made aware the girl was pregnant.

DA shadow minister of police Dianne Kohler Barnard said: “What right do these parents have to have children if they will accept money in exchange for their daughter being raped? … charges should have been opened for aiding and abetting a rape.

Woman Against Rape founder Janine Rowley said the sentence was too lenient. “The justice system is failing us. This child was put at risk of contracting HIV. Who knows whether she is positive or negative?”