Sakhile Mokoena

Sakhile Mokoena

Two Mpumalanga police constables have appeared before a disciplinary tribunal for locking a woman in a cell with six male prisoners, who raped her throughout the night.

Jabulani Ntuli and Themba Mposula reportedly arrested the 27-year-old woman for being drunk in public.

Police spokesman Sibongile Nkosi said yesterday that the disciplinary hearing had been postponed to April 25 to allow the accused's lawyers to study the charges.

The two cops are facing charges of misconduct and of failing to adhere to the police's mission to protect the community.

The six men, aged between 19 and 50, who were also arrested for public drunkenness, are now facing charges of rape as well.

Police officers arriving to start the day shift at the Volks-rust police station on Saturday morning were shocked to find the woman in the same cell as the men.

The woman recounted her ordeal to the day staff.

She was taken to a doctor, who confirmed that she had been raped.