The Northern Cape Department of Health has suspended a staff member at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley after a female patient lodged a complaint of sexual misconduct.
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Health has suspended a staff member at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley after a female patient lodged a complaint of sexual misconduct.
Department of Health spokesperson Lebogang Majaha said on Thursday that the employee had been placed on precautionary suspension for 60 days, pending the outcome of an investigation into serious allegations of misconduct.
“A preliminary report on the ongoing investigation reveals that the alleged perpetrator made unwelcome advances of a sexual nature and violated the dignity of the patient,” said Majaha.
“The official is not permitted access to the departmental premises, may not have access to any official documents and is prohibited from speaking to any potential witness in the matter.”
Majaha added that the department would provide psycho-social support to the affected patient.
“The department treats this matter very seriously and deems it as an act of worst criminality perpetrated by those expected to protect and care for the most vulnerable in society. This has a serious potential of leaving trauma, psychological, and affects the social well-being of the patient in this case.”
Majaha added that further updates would be provided at a later stage, once the investigation has been concluded.
