The Newcastle medical sector has been shaken following the arrest of a 69-year-old local doctor on Wednesday, 28 April 2026, in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted four patients at a medical facility in the area, with authorities confirming that the matter forms part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
According to KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the arrest was carried out by detectives from the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, working alongside officers from Madadeni SAPS.
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The arrest followed information provided to law enforcement alleging that the doctor had sexually assaulted four female patients between August 2025 and April 2026.
Although the specific facility has not been publicly named, Colonel Netshiunda confirmed that the accused was employed at a medical facility in Madadeni, where the alleged incidents are understood to have taken place.
In outlining the allegations, Colonel Netshiunda said the conduct involved repeated inappropriate acts.
“The suspect would allegedly touch the victims inappropriately on their breasts and private parts, and he also allegedly forced some of them to perform sexual acts on him,” he said.
The Colonel further added that the alleged conduct only came to light after the victims approached a whistleblower, who then escalated the matter and alerted police.
Following that disclosure, the case was handed over to specialised investigators.
“The FCS detectives operationalised the tip-offs, and after the victims opened cases, investigations unfolded, leading to the arrest of the suspect,” said Colonel Netshiunda, confirming that the accused is expected to make his first appearance before the Madadeni Magistrate Court on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Meanwhile, the accused remains in custody on charges of sexual assault, with Colonel Netshiunda stressing that the investigation is still ongoing.
He further noted that should additional complainants come forward, further charges may be added as the case develops.
As law enforcement continues to appeal for potential victims to come forward, Newcastle Crisis Centre’s Mary Dobbie said cases involving individuals in positions of authority abusing vulnerable people are, regrettably, not uncommon in the community.
“This type of crime happens regularly. I would say that approximately 40% of the rape cases that walk through our doors were done by individuals in a position of power or trust, and they do it simply because they feel that they can do it,” she said, adding that children are most frequently targeted.
Against this background, Dobbie stressed that medical facilities, schools, and any institutions working with women and children should carry out thorough vetting of staff before employment, to ensure that individuals with relevant criminal histories are identified and prevented from accessing vulnerable victims.
As the case progresses through the criminal justice process, attention is expected to remain on the evidence gathered and the circumstances that allowed the alleged conduct to go undetected for an extended period.
Beyond the courtroom, the matter has also sharpened focus on institutional accountability within healthcare settings, particularly where patient vulnerability intersects with professional authority.
For now, investigators continue their work, while the broader implications of the case are likely to unfold alongside the legal proceedings.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact SAPS. Any enquiries regarding the case should also be directed to the South African Police Service.
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FAQs
According to SAPS, the doctor was arrested in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted four female patients between August 2025 and April 2026.
No. SAPS confirmed that the accused was employed at a hospital in Madadeni, but the specific facility has not been publicly named.
The matter is being handled by detectives from the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, working with Madadeni SAPS.
SAPS confirmed that the accused is expected to appear before the Madadeni Magistrate Court on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Police indicated that additional charges may be added if more complainants come forward during the ongoing investigation.
5 Responses
So disgusting to know this is happening. However when there is a patient with a dr at a state facility there is also a nurse present during the examination so where was the nurse when these alleged sexual assaults and why didn’t the first victim report the incident immediately. Is this not possibly a false allegation against the dr.
is this not that old guy that was caught at checkers taking pictures of peoples children? Him and his wife worked together. When they would get caught by parents. who would go off their heads at the idiot, he would say he is a doctor in madadeni and that him and his wife showed the pictures to there grandchildren because their grandchildren loved seeing pictures of other children, or some rubbish story like that. They would track people up and down the shop. If it is him, I hope the police investigate his wife. Those two are gross and should not be allowed in public.
Shame on him. He must be named and shamed
Very proud off those who spoke out.
Seriously, I don’t even know this doctor!
this is an extremely distressing and unacceptable situation. Allegations of sexual assault by a healthcare professional represent one of the most serious breaches of medical ethics, patient trust, and human rights. Your concern is justified, and any response must centre the victims, uphold professional integrity, and ensure immediate protective action.
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Professional, Ethical and Empathetic Response
I am deeply sorry that such a traumatic and violating incident has occurred within a healthcare environment that is meant to be a place of safety and healing. Sexual assault of patients by a clinician is a grave violation of ethical duties, legal obligations, and the fundamental trust placed in the medical profession.
My thoughts are with the affected patients, who have endured harm in a context where they were most vulnerable. They deserve immediate protection, compassionate care, and full access to justice.
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Key Ethical Principles at Stake
– Non‑maleficence: A clinician must never cause harm. Sexual assault is deliberate harm.
– Autonomy and dignity: Patients’ bodily integrity and consent were violated.
– Justice: Victims deserve accountability, protection, and fair treatment.
– Professional integrity: Such conduct undermines the credibility of the entire health system.
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Immediate Priorities
1. Ensure the safety of all patients
The accused clinician must be removed from any clinical duties pending investigation.
2. Provide trauma‑informed care to the victims
– Confidential counselling
– Medical examination by trained forensic staff
– Support persons of their choice
– Clear communication about their rights and available services
3. Mandatory reporting
Sexual assault in a healthcare setting must be reported to:
– SAPS (for criminal investigation)
– The Department of Health
– The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
– Hospital management and district leadership
4. Preserve evidence
Documentation, CCTV footage, access logs, and witness statements must be secured immediately.
5. Transparent, victim‑centred communication
Avoid blame, minimise retraumatisation, and ensure confidentiality.
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Support for Staff and Community
Incidents like this create shock, fear, and moral injury among colleagues. Staff may need:
– Psychological support
– Clear communication from leadership
– Assurance that ethical standards will be upheld
– A safe channel to report concerns without retaliation
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Your Leadership Role
Given your position and commitment to procedural fairness and patient safety, your voice matters. A calm, principled, and ethically grounded response helps restore trust and ensures that justice is pursued without delay.