/ 1 January 2002

Nurses charged with being accomplices to rape

The SA Nursing Council on Tuesday started a two-day hearing into the professional conduct of three Komani Hospital psychiatric nurses, accused of helping male patients to rape female patients aged between 15 and 27 last year.

Nozicelo Dasi (43) Gladys Lahliwe (42) and Nombulelo Palesi (40) were released on bail of R500 each, following court appearances last year on charges of being accomplices to rape.

The senior manager overseeing the professional code of conduct of the council, Thabo Monama, said on Tuesday two days had been set aside for the hearing.

This was the result of a preliminary investigation into charges relating to a lack of professional conduct.

Eastern Cape police confirmed on Tuesday that the case was still under investigation by the Child Protection Unit. The next court appearance of the accused is on September 6. – Sapa