Mariné Jacobs

Bloemfontein. – Security at the Free State Psychiatric Hospital has been beefed up after a patient was raped by a security guard in December last year. This according to Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi.

The 35-year old woman was allegedly raped while she was on her way to a workshop on the hospital grounds. According to the patient’s mother, Ansie Bester, the patients have to walk across the grounds to a hall where the workshops are held. Bester says her daughter has the mental capability of a six-year old and is not able to defend herself.

Mvambi confirmed to Courant that the guard was immediately suspended and criminally prosecuted. He also said that the hospital has since ensured that patients are never out of nursing personnel’s sight. “The patient received medical care and counselling after the incident. As part of the counselling, there is the reassurance that the patient is only treated by personnel she is comfortable with. Male nurses were completely removed from her after the incident.”

The DA shadow minister of health, Patricia Kopane, has meanwhile commended the hospital for the way the incident was handled, saying that she was happy with the hospital’s quick decision to suspend the guard. “I am really happy to hear that the culprit has been arrested and that the matter is before the court of law. I will just make a follow-up to the MEC of Health and ask him to ensure that security who is employed at the hospital is capable to work with patients and is there to protect the patients,” said Kopane.

She further appealed to the hospital to ensure there are enough personnel to supervise the patients in the hospital. The perpetrator has since been released on bail and is expected to again appear before court soon.