Doctor accused of raping patient at state hospital

File picture: Marvin Gentry

File picture: Marvin Gentry

Published May 26, 2016

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Johannesburg – A medical doctor in Lebowakgomo in Limpopo has been placed on precautionary leave after allegations surfaced that he allegedly raped a patient at Lebowakgomo Hospital, the provincial department of health said on Thursday.

“The Department of Health has taken a decision to place a doctor at Lebowakgomo Hospital under precautionary leave with immediate effect following allegations that he raped a patient recently. The doctor is therefore suspended from work on a precautionary basis with full pay in line with the provisions of the Disciplinary Code and Procedure for the Public Service, pending the investigation into allegations of misconduct,” said spokesman Derick Kganyago.

He said while any form of abuse against women and children, including rape, was strongly condemned, the department believed that any accused person was innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba condemned the alleged incident.

“Incidents such as these harm our integrity and tarnish our good image as an organisation and cast a lot of doubt on the safety of our patients,” said Ramathuba.

African News Agency

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