Doctor and medical assistant charged with raping patients

A SOUTH Coast doctor charged with the rape of a patient is expected to apply for bail today.

The man, 42, who cannot be named until he pleads, is alleged to have raped a patient, 20, at the Port Shepstone Hospital.

Provincial police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said it’s alleged the victim was being examined by the suspect when she was raped.

“A case of rape was opened at Port Shepstone police station, and the docket was transferred to Port Shepstone Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.”

Ngcobo said the suspect appeared in court on August 30.

The KZN Department of Health confirmed the doctor had been served with a letter of suspension at a correctional facility.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the formal bail application was expected to take place in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court today.

Meanwhile a medical assistant, 38, accused of raping a girl, 17, at his surgery on August 15, was denied bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.

NPA spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “The victim left the surgery and the following morning informed her aunt about the incident.”

In his bail hearing, the court heard the accused was practising as a medical assistant.

The accused was not registered with any medical council to operate as a medical practitioner, did not have legal papers to work in South Africa and is an illegal immigrant.

The case was postponed 26. to