AN Eastern Cape male nurse is set to appear in court for allegedly raping a patient in a toilet at Tayler Bequest Hospital in Matatiele on Tuesday, 26 September.
Eastern Cape Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth expressed shock when she learnt about the alleged incident.
She said: "The incident allegedly took place at 8.40pm on Tuesday, 26 September. Immediately after the alleged rape was reported to hospital management on Wednesday, 27 September, the police were called and the alleged victim was taken to Thuthuzela Care Centre, where a specimen was collected for forensic investigation."
Condemning the alleged rape, Meth emphasised that health facilities should be safe spaces for women.
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"We are shocked by this alleged incident. Although this is now a criminal matter, the department has initiated its own internal investigation because we take gender-based violence seriously.
"It's unacceptable that women who seek healing in our facilities are allegedly raped, especially by those who are supposed to care for them. We strongly condemn this and will not speculate on the outcome of both the internal investigation and the criminal case. The law must now take its course," the MEC said.
The alleged victim and a witness were offered counseling, and the incident was reported to the woman's family on Thursday, 28 September.
Eastern Cape Health spokesman Sizwe Kuphelo said: "The enrolled nursing assistant was served with a letter of suspension after a brief appearance in court on Friday, 29 September."
Police spokesman, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said: "A 30-year-old man was arrested and he briefly appeared in court on Friday, 29 September on charges of rape. He was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to Friday, 6 October for a bail application."
