Constable Palm stationed at South African Police Service (SAPS) Dog Unit in Kimberly has been arrested for allegedly raping his ex-wife. The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) is also probing allegations of assault and intimidation labelled against Palm.
It is alleged that on 25 October 2009, while under the influence of alcohol, the accused visited his ex-wife with the intention to see his children. A disagreement ensued between Palm and his ex-wife which resulted in the accused assaulting, strangling and subsequently raping her.
He also tried to burn the bedding with a match, but the victim managed to extinguish the fire immediately. The accused then continued with his assault on the victim before forcing her into a room where he allegedly raped her without a condom. The victim further alleges that the Constable threatened to kill her if she reported the incident to the police.
The victim broke her silence and confided in her pastor and a friend which resulted in the arrest and subsequent detention of the SAPS member as a suspect in the rape matter. The complainant has undergone all required medical examinations and has been cooperating with ICD investigators.
The suspect will appear for the first time in court in Kimberly on Wednesday, 28 October 2009. On completion of a full scale investigation into all the allegations, the ICD will send a report with recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecution for a decision on prosecution. The ICD will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice prevails in the end.
Enquiries:
Moses Dlamini
Cell: 082 809 1927
Issued by: Independent Complaints Directorate
26 October 2009
Source: Independent Complaints Directorate (http://www.icd.gov.za)
