Jail at last for Eastern Cape cop who raped an inmate a decade ago

A police officer has been sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for raping an awaiting-trial inmate in police custody more than a decade ago.

Warrant officer Mhlobo Ishmael Mpela committed the crime more than 10 years ago in the Eastern Cape but due to delays in trial proceedings had just been sentenced, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) said on Tuesday.

Ipid spokesperson Ndileka Cola said Mpela, who was stationed in Mthatha, was found guilty and sentenced last week by the regional court in Mthatha.

Mpela and his female counterpart had been on night duty, posted at the police cells where awaiting-trial inmates were kept.

“The investigation conducted by Ipid revealed that Mpela instructed his female colleague to attend to an accident. When she left he immediately went to a female cell and called the victim under the pretence that she had a phone call,” Cola said in a statement.

The victim had been sleeping when Mpela approached her.

“The warrant officer instructed the victim to go to the store room. He followed her, closed the door and forced himself on the victim. The victim screamed for help but unfortunately the CSC [community service centre] is about 30m from the cells and no-one could hear her.”

Ndileka said the victim fought back but was raped.

“The victim reported the matter the following morning and it was brought to the attention of Ipid.” 

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