A cleaner allegedly raped a patient in a quarantine facility on Friday.
According to the Western Cape public works department on Sunday, it received a report regarding the incident at one of its COVID-19 quarantine and isolation facilities in the seaside town.
It confirmed that the victim was allegedly sexually assaulted at a quarantine and isolation facility in Mossel Bay.
The victim was in quarantine and was due to go home on Saturday.
Public works spokesperson Jandré Bakker said the department is taking the allegations “very seriously”.
It also assured that it will provide full support during the course of the investigation.
The suspect who is an employee of a cleaning company has been arrested.
“The alleged victim has been taken from the site by the department of health to a different location and is receiving the needed support.”
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Christopher Spies, the 20-year-old woman was in her room when the suspect barged in and allegedly sexually violated her.
The medical personnel at the facility who first got the report called the police.
Spies said the 27-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Mossel Bay magistrate’s court on Monday.
He will face a charge of rape.
