Trial Begins for Two Officers Charged With 2017 Rape
A rape trial involving two members of the police force began yesterday after more than 8 years.
The case centres on allegations of rape that the complainant says took place on May 12, 2017, in the Cooks area.
The woman’s testimony detailed how the day began with a social gathering involving members of a WhatsApp group to which both accused officers belonged.
She said she, the two officers, and another female were driving to a bar at Pensioners that night, but the female was dropped off on the way.
While traveling along Federation Road in Gray’s Farm toward their stated destination, the woman testified she observed the vehicle turn left and eventually parked near a lamppost.
She said with a gun to her head she was forced to have sex with both men and afterwards they still went to the bar.
According to her, she left them there and went to another bar where she stayed until morning.
She reported the incident the following Monday.
Her testimony also included details of post-incident WhatsApp exchanges.
Defense counsel Andrew O’Kola challenged multiple elements of the complainant’s account during cross-examination. The defense disputed that any stop occurred en route to Pensioners Beach. When questioned whether she requested to exit the vehicle, she answered negatively but maintained she had attempted to leave when the first turn was made.
The defense strategy included suggestions that alcohol consumption may have impaired her recollection, proposing that certain claimed events never occurred. O’Kola also highlighted inconsistencies between her courtroom testimony and her original police statement as evidence questioning the veracity of her allegations.
Cross-examination proceedings are scheduled to resume this morning.
I will be following this closely
WOW THIS CASE WAS STILL IN THE COURT SYSTEM I THOUGHT IT DID FINISH WITH.
Eight years is far too long for a rape case to reach trial. Justice delayed is justice denied…. both for the alleged victim and the accused. Our system needs reform so cases like this don’t languish while lives are put on hold.
It’s troubling that such a serious case involving police officers took more than eight years to reach trial. Justice delayed is justice denied both for the complainant and for the accused. The system clearly needs reform to prevent this kind of dela
This matter started already if my memory serves me right the young lady made some media post which caused a delay and restart before another judge
Let’s see how this one play out. In this country, when it’s police involved, things tend to drag forever.
Done see not a tick of guilty falling on the officers. This case took too long. Time for the wheels of justice to grind faster and cases come to a close within a year of trials
It’s been a long awaited time for justice.
Imagine carrying that burden for eight long years…. Whether people believe her or not, she deserves her day in court and respect for her courage to face it after so long
This isn’t just about two officers…. it’s about the culture within the force and how allegations are addressed. The police must be held to the highest standard, not protected by the badge