A female employee of the Department of Health was assaulted sexually and physically on the early hours of Saturday in Pelonomi Hospital. The aggravating factors to this was inadequate security and the construction that is taking place in the hospital forcing people at times to walk and pass through areas that do not have light.
After being attacked and sexually assaulted the employee was assisted by colleagues. She was then taken to national hospital victim support centre where medical examinations and treatment was done including offering her counseling support. The victim has requested us to support her during this time of her grief to deal with this unfortunate incident privately. We therefore wish to make a call to all to respect this and report responsibly about this matter.
The department has since terminated, yesterday, 30 October 2010, the services of the security company that was providing security services in Pelonomi Hospital. In collaboration with the department of Roads, Transport and Safety, we have now stepped up security in Pelonomi. Police Reservists have been appointed to provide security at Pelonomi.
These are highly trained individuals and can equal the task of providing safety for all, our employees and members of the public who are at our facilities. Proper security assessment has been done. Areas that need physical patrol in and around the hospital have been also been identified and additional lights have also been provided in areas that were dark and as such posing a safety risk.
In addition to these measures, our employees especially in trauma, casualty and Official Publications Depository (OPD) are now going to be provided with panic buttons to be able to alert security in times of need. The measures implemented in Pelonomi will apply to all our facilities in the province in a phased in manner.
What is worth noting is that two of the perpetrators have already been arrested by the police. We want to congratulate the SAPS for acting swiftly to apprehend these criminals. We want to encourage and call upon the community to work with the police to help apprehend the other remaining suspects.
The Department of Health has also instituted an investigation into this incident of rape to determine whether or not there was any negligence on the side of staff. Where such is indeed found appropriate steps will be taken without any fear of favour.
Enquiries:
Jabu Mbalula
Cell: 082 461 3112
