Acting Gauteng MEC for Health Jacob Mamabolo has set up a team to conduct a thorough investigation at Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital following reports of an alleged rape incident over the weekend.
Earlier on Monday departmental officials were sent to the facility to establish facts around the case which pointed to a need to further probe the matter. The South African Police Service was notified to investigate the case after a 16-year old mental healthcare user reported over the weekend (on Friday, 16 October) that he was allegedly sexually assaulted.
“I want to reassure members of the public that the issue of safety at our public health facilities is a priority. We continue to work with law enforcement agencies to strengthen preventative and response measures,” states MEC Mamabolo.
The Gauteng Department of Health is currently providing medical and psychological support to the patient and has already offered counselling to their family.
