PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The recent arrest of a Plettenberg Bay police officer in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old Kwanokuthula teenager has sent shockwaves through the local community.

A group of residents showed their disdain when they marched from Kwanokuthula to the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court in New Horizons last week in an attempt to see bail denied to the suspect.

The matter was however postponed after the suspect's legal representative failed to arrive for court proceedings. A formal bail application is set to be made on Friday. The police officer remains behind bars.

Southern Cape police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed the officer's arrest. He said the incident allegedly happened on 7 March at about 19:00 in Kwanokuthula's Phase 3.

"The matter is being probed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and as such we are not allowed to divulge further information as they are conducting the investigation into the matter. A disciplinary investigation has been opened which will be conducted parallel with the criminal investigation," Pojie said.

In the meantime, anti-child abuse activists were allegedly intimidated and threatened by the suspect's colleagues in the court foyer during the man's appearance. The matter was reported to the IPID and the Western Cape police ombudsman.

'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'