A student at Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College in Kimberley has opened a criminal case against a driver employed at the college after he allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances towards her.
A 24-YEAR-old student nurse at Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College in Kimberley has opened a criminal case against a driver employed at the college after he allegedly made inappropriate sexual advances towards her.
National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) branch chairperson Godfrey Davids said they have obtained an interim interdict against the alleged “sex pest”.
“Other staff members and students also intend opening charges against the 57-year-old driver, while lecturers also do not feel safe,” said Davids.
He claimed that the driver sexually harassed and assaulted the nursing student.
“This is serious misconduct and the safety of female students is not being taken seriously,” said Davids.
“The driver is responsible for transporting students from their place of residence to the college and back; and students related that they did not want to be left alone with him.
“There were further reports that he drives recklessly and does not obey the rules of the road.”
Davids added that staff members had also complained about allegedly being sexually harassed.
“We cannot tolerate this behaviour. The student who opened the case needs to be booked off and counselled as she is traumatised and yet she is being threatened and victimised.”
Davids claimed that the police had related that the suspect would not be arrested as the charge was not rape and there were no visible injuries on the complainant.
Police spokesperson Captain Tessa Jansen said on Thursday that the Kimberley police were investigating a case of common assault after a case was registered on October 6.
“No arrests have been made and police investigations are continuing,” said Jansen.
It is believed that the driver has since been suspended.
Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Lebogang Majaha said on Thursday that psycho-social support would be offered to the affected student.
“We view such incidents in an extremely serious light,” said Majaha. “Disciplinary measures have been instituted against the reported employee. Further to this, internal investigations will continue through our legal processes.“
Majaha added that since a criminal case had been opened, the Department of Health was not in a position to respond to any further enquiries, to “prevent interference in judicial procedures”.
