Healthcare workers accused of protecting men who commit statutory rape

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramatuba has accused healthcare workers of indirectly protecting men who make teenage girls pregnant which in many cases is also statutory rape.

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

Ramathuba says doctors claim they cannot report such cases due to patient-doctor confidentially. She’s warned doctors and nurses that they could be held criminally liable for not reporting such incidents.

“When you are attending to a pregnant minor and you have acquired that information as a doctor, because it’s your patient, the Child Protection Act and the constitution of the republic supersedes that (of the) health professional council. So, we are calling upon these statutory bodies to say call upon all your members that when they don’t report these cases, they must know that they themselves are violating the very same ethics that they must protect because they are committing a criminal act,” says Ramathuba.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on a charge of statutory rape after a 13-year-old girl gave birth on Christmas Day at the Seshego Hospital. The man is alleged to have impregnated the teenager.

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

Premier Phophi Ramathuba’s Spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha says the suspect will appear in court soon.

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

Video: Teen Pregnancy – Man charged with statutory rape of 13-year-old: Dr Phophi Ramathuba