KEY POINTS
- A 49-year-old male nurse from Gauteng appeared in court for allegedly raping a 17-year-old boy and sexually assaulting a 19-year-old young man.
- The accused exploited his position as a nurse to gain access to the victims, allegedly assaulting them under the guise of providing medical care.
- Community vigilance led to the nurse’s arrest, with the case postponed for bail information and investigations ongoing.
A 49-year-old male nurse from Duduza, Gauteng, appeared in the Nigel Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, facing charges of allegedly raping a 17-year-old boy and sexually assaulting a 19-year-old young man.
The nurse, who worked at Springs Netcare Private Hospital, is accused of exploiting his position of trust to prey on vulnerable patients.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, revealed that the alleged crimes came to light after community members noticed suspicious behavior. “The accused would visit the 17-year-old boy at his home, claiming to provide medical care, but instead allegedly took him to a nearby veld where he sexually assaulted him,” Mahanjana stated.
The 17-year-old victim was initially admitted to the hospital in August 2023 but was discharged when his medical aid funds were depleted. “The accused allegedly promised to continue caring for the boy and bring him medication at his home until he fully recovered,” Mahanjana added. However, these visits took a sinister turn, with the nurse allegedly using the opportunity to commit the assaults.
Victim testimonies lead to arrest of the nurse
The case took a significant turn on February 12, 2025, when community members who frequently jogged in the area noticed the nurse in his car with different boys on multiple occasions.
“They confronted the accused, demanding an explanation for his actions. When their suspicions grew, they alerted the police,” Mahanjana explained.
At the police station, the 17-year-old boy disclosed the alleged abuse. Shortly after, another 19-year-old victim came forward, accusing the nurse of similar acts. “The bravery of these young men, along with the vigilance of the community, played a crucial role in bringing the accused to justice,” Mahanjana emphasized.
The accused was arrested and remanded in custody, with his case postponed to Friday for formal bail information.
The NPA has urged anyone with additional information or potential victims to come forward, as investigations are ongoing.
This case has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for stricter background checks on healthcare workers and better protection for vulnerable patients.
Advocacy groups have also emphasized the need for increased awareness and support for male victims of sexual abuse, who often face stigma and underreporting.
