An enrolled male nursing assistant (33) appeared in court last week in connection with the alleged rape of a woman (28) while she was a patient at the Tylor Bequest Hospital in Matatiele.
The raped allegedly occurred on September 26, 2023, at about 20:40.
According to the Dept of Health spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase, the nursing assistant was served with a suspension letter after a brief appearance in the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 29. His case was remanded to October 4, and he cannot be named because he has not yet pleaded on the charges.
“The incident allegedly happened at an ablution facility and was reported to hospital management on September 27. Police were called, and the alleged victim was taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre, where a specimen was taken for further investigation,” said Ndamase.
Condemning the alleged rape, Eastern Cape Department of Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth said health facilities are supposed to be safe spaces for women. “We are shocked by this alleged incident. Although this is now a criminal matter, the department has launched its own internal investigation because we take gender-based-violence seriously,” said Meth.
She added that it is not good that women who go to their facilities to heal are allegedly raped, and even worse, by those who are supposed to help them.
“We condemn this in the strongest terms possible. We will not pre-empt the outcome of both the internal investigation and the criminal case; the law must take its course. The alleged victim and an alleged witness were offered counselling,” said Meth.
