A 49-year-old male nurse appeared at the Nigel Magistrate's Court today facing charges of rape. It's alleged that the nurse repeatedly raped a 17-year-old boy, who is his former patient and another local, a 19-year-old man.

HE TARGETED A PATIENT

It is alleged that in August 2023, the 17-year-old boy was admitted to Springs Netcare Private Hospital, where the accused was employed as a nurse for a medical procedure when he met the accused. According to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, during the victim's stay at the hospital, it is alleged that the accused made advances towards the boy. "The boy was later discharged from the hospital because his medical aid was depleted and he was unable to continue with his stay at the hospital. However, the accused allegedly promised to continue caring for the boy and bring him medication at his home until he fully recovered," Mahanjana said, adding that after the boy was discharged from the hospital, the accused allegedly visited him at his home and brought him medication. "On two occasions, while in the veld in his car, the accused allegedly raped the boy," she added. 

DISCOVERED BY THE COMMUNITY

Community members who were jogging discovered the rapes when they noticed the man's car parked with him and different boys on different occasions. According to Mahanjana, the suspect was confronted by community members last week and asked what he was doing with different boys. "The community members then called the police; the boy and the accused were then taken to the police station. At the police station, the boy reported what was happening. While at the police station, another boy came forward and reported that he, too, was sexually assaulted by the accused." The accused was remanded in custody and his matter was postponed to 21 February 2025 for formal bail application.