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- A North West nurse was allegedly raped on Sunday morning while going to work in Taung village.
- The North West MEC for health said this devastating act occurred against a health worker who was on her way to save lives.
- Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa said they were preparing a gender-based violence march in Taung.
A North West nurse was allegedly raped while on her way to work in the Taung village on Sunday morning.
North West MEC for Health Madoda Sambatha was shocked by the news.
"This is a devastating incident. Disregarding women's rights and safety should never be normalised in our communities. We need to work hard to turn the tide of gender-based violence and should not accept such crimes against women. The rape of one woman is a degradation and limitation to all women. Rape is the most intimate of crimes, and it is disturbing that this heinous act occurred against a health worker as she was on her way to render her services to save lives," said Sambatha.
Sambatha called on law enforcement to have the suspect arrested.
"The apprehension of the culprit by law enforcement agencies and for the justice system to enforce a harsh sentence to ensure that justice is served for the victim," said Sambatha.
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North West Department of Health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said the alleged rape was unacceptable.
"The department sees this incident as deplorable."
Lekgethwane added that nurses doing their best to serve the nation should be protected against incidents such as rape.
"We pray that the perpetrator will be brought to book and that the nurse will receive the necessary counselling and recover from this ordeal. The MEC has also called on the SAPS to investigate this matter, apprehend the perpetrator and ensure that justice is served," said Lekgethwane.
North West Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) spokesperson Reuben Molete said the organisation was saddened by the news.
"We are highly disturbed by this violent activity against a woman who is a nurse on her way to provide health services and preserve the lives of community members."
Molete said the organisation condemned gender-based violence in the strongest possible terms.
"This [is an] attack against this woman and generally to other women out there. We call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and apprehend the perpetrator of this violent activity, including prosecuting them successfully."
Molete said the organisation had been supporting the nurse by advocating for counselling.
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"She's being treated at an alternative institution. During this time, we want the counselling and treatment without any interference, without her questioning herself, and to preserve her integrity to be treated by neutral people without any stigmatisation," said Molete.
Molete said the organisation had called on the Taung community to unite and fight gender-based violence.
"We've collaborated with other gender-based structures and Cosatu. We are planning a march that will showcase the issue of gender-based violence against women, including that this particular woman finds justice and recovery," said Molete.
Police had not responded by the time of publishing this article. Their response will be added when received.
