In a case that has rocked the Kei Mouth community and raised significant concerns about the integrity of the police force, former police sergeant Thembalethu Gqeku, 50, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the brutal rape of a 17-year-old woman inside the detectives’ office of the Kei Mouth Police Station.

This shocking incident took place on August 8, 2022, marking a grievous betrayal of the very trust placed in a police officer.

The court delivered its verdict this week, following a tumultuous and complex legal battle that saw the victim struggle to assert her rights amidst severe trauma.

Initially, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew the charges against Gqeku due to the victim’s inability to communicate effectively during proceedings, a situation that necessitated her undergoing psychological and clinical therapy before the case could be resumed.

On the day of the incident, Gqeku, while on duty and driving a state vehicle, deceitfully ensnared the young woman under the pretence of taking an additional statement concerning a domestic violence case initiated by her against her ex-boyfriend.

Once inside the police station, Gqeku closed the office door and proceeded to assault the victim on a table. In a desperate attempt to escape, she fought back valiantly, using an empty bottle to injure Gqeku before screaming for help in the charge office.

Despite identifying him immediately, her cries for justice were met with mockery from his colleagues, who dismissed her claims and failed to arrest the officer on duty. It was only ten days later that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) finally apprehended Gqeku.

During the trial, Gqeku maintained his innocence, contending that he was the victim of an assault, alleging that the young woman was under the influence of drugs.

However, the prosecution, led by Senior Public Prosecutor Thango Pangalela, countered his claims with compelling evidence. The victim’s testimony, supported by a police officer who was present at the time and a medical professional from the Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital’s Thuthuzela Care Centre, convincingly disproved Gqeku’s version of events.

A medical report supplied by the state confirmed that the complainant had not consumed drugs.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Joseph Govuza underscored the aggravating factors of the case, noting that Gqeku exploited his position of authority and the very establishment meant to protect the vulnerable.

On a particularly chilling note, the victim, who is the same age as Gqeku’s son, had sought help at the police station, believing it to be a place of safety. Instead, she was met with the most egregious betrayal imaginable.

Since his arrest, Gqeku has left the police force and taken up employment as a security guard. The court also heard a Victim Impact Statement prepared by Court Preparation Officer Vuyelwa Beyaphi, in which the young woman expressed her profound disillusionment with the police, stating she could no longer bear their sight.

The prosecution fervently urged the court to impose a sentence beyond the minimum of 15 years, advocating for an additional five years due to the damage Gqeku’s actions inflicted on the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Gqeku’s lack of remorse led the court to acquiesce, affirming that he presented a genuine threat to society.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, praised the joint efforts of the prosecuting team, TCC staff, Court Preparation Officers, and IPID investigators, as well as the victim’s courage in coming forward.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to championing the rights of victims, especially in the ongoing battle against gender-based violence that plagues the nation.

IOL

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