The Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) on Thursday condemned the rape of an 11-year-old girl at Dora Nginza Hospital, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape and called for better safety measures at public hospitals.
In a statement the union called on the health minister to “urgently address the dismal state of safety and security” at public hospitals in the Eastern Cape.
The 11-year-old girl was abducted from a playground on Saturday. Her abductor reportedly told security guards at Dora Nginza Hospital gates that he was taking her for medical care.
“She was then taken to a toilet in one of the administrative buildings at Dora Nginza Hospital where she was raped and subsequently locked up. She tried to break out of the toilet and eventually security guards heard her screams and freed her,” said the union.
Provincial health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo confirmed the attack, which was strongly condemned by the Eastern Cape Hospersa Provincial Secretary Lutando Lujabe.
“We condemn this act in the strongest terms and we are deeply concerned that such acts can take place at our public health institutions,” said Lujabe.
A 21-year-old suspect was apprehended by members of the community and handed over to the South African Police Services on Sunday. He is facing charges of abduction and rape.
Lujabe said Hospersa has had several campaigns to improve the state of safety and security at public hospitals.
Incidents in the Eastern Cape over the past weeks include armed robberies at Uitenhage’s Rosedale Clinic and the Kwazakhele Day Hospital in Ibhayi. In another case two armed men stormed into the hospital and held up nurses, demanding money.
Hospersa said it would not not allow “this situation” to continue.
“Our General Secretary Noel Desfontaines met with the Chief Inspector of the Department of Labour on Monday to discuss how Hospersa can assist with health and safety compliance – specifically at public health facilities,” said Lujabe.
“Hospersa now calls on the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to intervene urgently so that we may address the health and safety problems faced by the Eastern Cape.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
