59-Year-Old SAPS Captain Amos Mokwena Released on R8,000 Bail After Alleged Rape of 20-Year-Old Trainee
By Lerato Mpembe
The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has granted R8 000 bail to senior SAPS Captain Amos Mokwena, aged 59, during his bail hearing on Monday. He stands accused of raping a 20-year-old SAPS trainee, Miss Mandisa, on 6 May and is further charged with two counts of sexual assault, including an alleged assault of another trainee, Miss Bumikas Dumisa, at the Pretoria West Training Academy on 17 March 2025 .
Allegations: Abuse of Power
The accusations against Mokwena are severe. The first charge alleges that he raped Miss Mandisa in his office. She reportedly failed to salute him properly, which led to threats of dismissal. During court proceedings, it emerged that a second trainee has since made similar allegations, claiming she was sexually assaulted in Mokwena’s office when he hugged her and exposed himself before she managed to escape . These incidents are part of a Schedule 5 offence under the Criminal Procedure Act, placing the onus on Mokwena to convince the court that granting bail does not jeopardise justice.
Defence Submissions: Health, Financial, Clean Record
In his defence, Mokwena denied the charges and plans to plead not guilty. He cited chronic health issues—bronchitis, sinusitis, and back pain with muscle spasms—emphasising that his continued detention would severely affect his well-being due to limited access to medication and a suitable diet .
He further highlighted his background of 31 years of service in SAPS with no prior disciplinary or criminal records. Mokwena stated that his passport expired in 2008 and that he has never travelled outside South Africa. Financially, he confirmed owning assets—a house valued at R700 000, a vehicle worth R300 000, household items worth R150 000, and earning a monthly salary of R25 000 supporting a wife and three children, with no foreign assets .
He also denied any interference with witnesses, calling those state assertions “unsubstantiated” and insisted that strict bail conditions would mitigate any risks.
State’s Opposition: Flight Risk and Witness Safety
The state, represented by the investigating officer, opposed bail. They argued that Mokwena posed a flight risk, especially being near retirement age and having previously held a passport—though expired—raising concerns that he might abscond .
The state also warned that as a senior SAPS member, Mokwena might intimidate or interfere with witnesses, especially since the complainants are trainees who may feel vulnerable .
The investigation further revealed the seizure of unlicensed ammunition from his residence, prompting concerns about public risk, although no charges have yet been filed for possession .
Court Ruling: Strict Conditions Imposed
Despite serious charges, the court noted that Mokwena had disclosed his expired passport and posed no proven flight risk. There was no evidence he had interfered with any investigation previously, and appropriate bail conditions could be imposed to ensure court attendance and protect complainants .
Mokwena was granted bail with stringent conditions:
- R8 000 cash bail
- No direct or indirect contact with complainants or witnesses
- Avoid the Pretoria West Training Academy unless court-approved
- Report to the nearest SAPS station twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays, 06:00–18:00)
- Surrender any travel documents within 48 hours
- Immediate arrest if conditions are breached
His next court appearance is set for 9 September 2025, with instructions that failure to appear would result in an arrest warrant and forfeiture of bail money .
Public Interest and Institutional Trust
The case has sparked intense public scrutiny. One media outlet reported the officers as part of a broader issue within SAPS, where over 2 000 officers have faced disciplinary action in five years for misconduct, including sexual violence .
Union POPCRU, supporting the victims, has urged SAPS leadership to reinforce ethical conduct at training academies. They emphasise the need for wellness support services for trainees affected by such incidents .
Legal Context: Schedule 5 Offences and Bail Law
Under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, heinous crimes such as rape require the accused to prove why bail should be granted. The court carefully balanced Mokwena’s personal circumstances—health, financial ties, clean record—against concerns over witness safety, eventual interference, and flight risk. Ultimately, the court found that with sufficient conditions, bail was permissible in the interest of justice.
Broader Implications for SAPS Training Institutions
This case has raised urgent questions about safety in police training environments. It highlights systemic vulnerabilities for young trainees dependent on senior officers. Training institutions now face pressure to bolster mentorship programs, enhance oversight, and ensure trainees can report misconduct anonymously and safely.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
The next bail review on 9 September 2025 will further test the strength of Mokwena’s defence and evidence put forward by the state. Meanwhile, community advocacy groups expect SAPS to uphold the agreed bail conditions, particularly the protection of complainants.
The home affairs of the complainants, maintaining their privacy, reflect the sensitive nature of the case. SAPS officials have indicated they are investigating all aspects, including the ammunition issue and identity of any additional suspects.
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