Minister of Health condemns the sexual harassment of a nurse in Limpopo. Photo: Tzaneen Voice
Minister of Health condemns rape of Limpopo late shift nurse
Minister Phaahla has appealed to the community members of Madumane village to join hands with the police in search of the perpetrator.
Minister of Health condemns the sexual harassment of a nurse in Limpopo. Photo: Tzaneen Voice
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has expressed outrage and strongly condemned the barbaric act of rape and abuse of a professional nurse based at Madumane Clinic in Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo Province.
HOW THE LIMPOPO NURSE ENDED IN THIS REGRETTABLE ORDEAL
According to the incident report, the nurse was on her way from home in Polokwane to the workplace when she disembarked a taxi late in the afternoon with a fellow male passenger who pretended to be caring and friendly. The man who up to then looked unsuspicious and friendly, offered to accompany her as she walked to the clinic where she is based for work, but along the way he accosted and forcefully dragged her into the nearby bush, where he assaulted and raped her before disappearing with some of her belongings.
The victim managed to gain strength after this ordeal and called for help at the nearby household in the middle of the night.
“These kinds of criminal activities hamper the department’s efforts to make more health facilities available to communities even after hours.”
Foster Mohale, the National Health Department Spokesperson
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MINISTER OF HEALTH APPEALS TO THE COMMUNITY FOR HELP
Minister Phaahla has appealed to the community members of Madumane village and nearby communities to join hands with the police in search of the perpetrator of this heinous crime of gender-based violence and ensure their communities are safer places for people to work, and children to play.
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HOW THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT PLANS TO IMPROVE SAFETY
“The Department, working together with the law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations will continue to explore ways in which security of healthcare workers could be improved as we aim to place more professional healthcare personnel in the underserved and disadvantaged communities,” said Mohale.
