A four-year old girl was raped at Greytown Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday night, when she visited her grandmother in the female ward, said the provincial health department on Wednesday.
According to the department, the girl was left to play outside the ward while the adults visited the elderly woman. She went missing and security guards went to look for her.
“A 23-year old suspect was allegedly found molesting the girl. He was apprehended and handed over to the police,” said the department.
“Men in Greytown should come out in large numbers when the suspect appears in court to support the victim and declare that this horrific act is not done in their name. it is a shame that this incident comes as South Africa is engaged in various anti-abuse activities as part of 16 Days of No Violence Against Women,” said health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
In a joint statement Dhlomo and head of the health department, Sibongile Zungu, said they were disgusted “by this despicable act, perpetrated against a defenceless child”.
“It is immoral, barbaric and unacceptable and is yet another example of how children’s rights are still being violated by those who are supposed to care and protect them. We thank the security guards who came to this child’s rescue. We wish to appeal to the law authorities to ensure that the perpetrator behind this dastardly act is made to face the full might of the law,” they said.
The man is expected to appear in court today.