Cape Town - The police officer arrested for the rape of an awaiting-trial detainee has made his first appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court.
Constable Naveron Jacobs, 35, was formally charged on Friday, two days after the 41-year-old woman reported the incident to Pollsmoor correctional officers.
Jacobs, stood emotionless in the dock with his hands behind his back and did not turn to look at the public gallery.
Before the court proceedings, the court addressed the media application to take pictures and videos of the accused. The Magistrate made a ruling that pictures taken inside the court should not reveal Jacobs’s face.
The State confirmed that Jacobs has no convictions.
The prosecutor, Brandon Clacher said the alleged incident was committed while the officer was on duty.
Jacobs, an orderly who worked in the sexual crimes regional court at Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court allegedly raped a female accused as she was taken back to the holding cells.
IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said: “The victim reported the incident to the warden at Pollsmoor prison and IPID was informed. A rape case was registered.”
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said more charges may be added.
“A 35-year-old police officer appeared at the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court charged with rape and attempted sexual assault.
“More charges are likely to be added against the Mfuleni Police Station-based police officer as the investigation continues. The State intends to oppose the accused’s application for bail due to the seriousness of the offences he committed.
“Also, he committed them while he was in his professional capacity with the accused as an inmate.
“His case has been postponed until 27 January 2025 for him to appear at the Kuilsriver Magistrate’s Court and for his legal representation.”
Jacobs is the third officer arrested for rape in the province. Constable Siyabonga Mbane, stationed at Mfuleni was arrested in November and a warrant officer was arrested on Christmas Day in Malmesbury.