The chairperson of the Strand Community Police Forum (CPF) and a former police officer was released on bail following his arrest on multiple sexual assault-related charges involving a 15-year-old girl.

Niklaas Thysen, 56, appeared in the Strand Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning, facing charges including sexual assault, two counts of compelled self-sexual assault, two counts of crimen injuria, and exposing genital organs to a minor.

The alleged incidents were first reported after the girl confided in her mother about two encounters with Thysen.

The initial incident reportedly occurred at Thysen’s workplace on July 3, 2025, during which the victim alleged inappropriate touching.

Following this incident, the girl attempted suicide the next day.

“He came to fetch her on 3 July, and when she came home, she said nothing; however, the following day, she attempted suicide.

“She didn’t want to talk to me, and I called the accused, and she warned me not to call him; she didn’t want him to come, but I thought it was because she didn’t want to go back for counselling again. He came with someone else, they left, and he brought her home that evening, but then the accused asked me if she could spend the night at his place. My husband refused because he doesn’t have a wife and lives alone.”

According to the victim’s mother, she had initially contacted Thysen seeking counselling for her daughter’s drug use, as he was a known community leader.

She stated that the girl had warned her not to contact Thysen after the first incident, and she initially believed her daughter’s reluctance was related to counselling sessions rather than abuse.

The mother only became aware of the alleged sexual assaults on July 30, 2025, following a second incident.

The second alleged encounter took place on July 26, when the victim and a friend went with Thysen to his workplace.

The mother stated that her daughter expressed fear of further assault, prompting her to stop all contact and report the matter to the police.

Thysen was arrested on August 6, 2025, and remained in custody until he was released on R2,000 bail.

During the hearing, Thysen’s legal representative noted his 25-year career in the police, his role as a family breadwinner, and his work as a Tai Chi instructor and wellness centre operator.

Thysen stated that he had no prior convictions, would comply with bail conditions, attend court hearings, and would not interfere with witnesses or evidence.

He denied the allegations and intends to plead not guilty. Thysen also resigned as CPF chairperson upon learning of the investigation.

The investigating officer reported that on July 3, Thysen took the victim to his workplace under the pretext of counselling, where he allegedly asked her to undress for a massage.

The second incident on July 26 involved the victim being touched inappropriately despite her discomfort, according to the investigation.

The case remains under investigation, and Thysen is scheduled to appear again in the Strand Magistrate’s Court on September 26.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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