Healthcare workers accused of protecting men who commit statutory rape – SABC News

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramatuba has accused health workers of indirectly protecting men who impregnate teenage girls, which in many cases also constitutes statutory rape.

This comes amid news that of the mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day in the province, 31 were teenagers.

Ramathuba says doctors claim they cannot report such cases due to patient-doctor confidentiality. It has warned doctors and nurses that they could be held criminally liable if they fail to report such incidents.

“If you are caring for a pregnant minor and have received this information as a doctor because she is your patient, the Child Protection Law and the Constitution of the Republic take precedence over those of the Health Professions Council. That is why we call on these statutory bodies to say to all their members: if they do not report these cases, they must know that by committing a criminal act they themselves are violating the very ethics they are supposed to protect. says Ramathuba.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested for statutory rape following the birth of a 13-year-old girl at Seshego Hospital on Christmas Day. The man is said to have impregnated the teenage girl.

The 13-year-old is one of 31 teenagers who gave birth to babies at a public hospital in Limpopo on Christmas Day.

Prime Minister Phophi Ramathuba’s spokesman Thilivhali Muavha said the suspect would appear in court soon.

“Prime Minister Dr. Ramathuba said this situation highlights the critical issues of teenage pregnancy and abuse of minors that we cannot ignore. The Prime Minister took immediate action and dispatched the MEC for Health, Ms. Dieketseng Mashego, the MEC for Social Development, Ms. Florence Radzilani, and the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Violet Mathye, to ensure the young mother’s safety during this difficult time time receives the necessary support and care,” says Muavha.

Video: Teenage pregnancy – man charged with statutory rape of 13-year-old: Dr. Phophi Ramathuba