SAFETY at government hospitals has come under the spotlight after a nurse was allegedly raped by a man pretending to require medical assistance at Zululand’s Nkonjeni Hospital.
According to provincial SAPS spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, the 33-year-old woman was raped on Monday in the consulting area of the hospital, despite security guards being on duty.
‘The perpetrator managed to escape and has not yet been apprehended. A case of rape is being investigated by Ulundi police.’
It is believed the man entered the hospital at around 5pm and proceeded to a consulting room where he overpowered the nurse before raping her.
The incident cast a negative light on government hospital safety, which was one of the concerns raised by KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu.
‘I am completely shocked and concerned that a nurse who left her home to provide care to the sick could end up being sexually violated at her workplace in such a horrendous way.
‘It is completely unacceptable and extremely concerning that the perpetrator was able to get away without being apprehended.
‘If we are paying for security and this happens, it means we are not paying for a service. Our responsibility is to take care of our nurses and everyone who works in the department.’
Simelane-Zulu has demanded a full report from district management and from the security unit.
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