An alleged assault by a South African diplomat in Zimbabwe on an embassy woman staffer last week has been confirmed by the International Relations Department.
Spokesperson Saul Molobi said on Friday the department was investigating the alleged incident involving Mlulami Singapi, political counsellor and second in charge at the embassy.
Singapi allegedly assaulted Lyn de Jong, head of corporate services at the embassy on Friday, May 7.
“We are following internal human resources proceedings to deal with the matter,” Molobi said.
He declined to say whether Singapi was suspended or whether the civil servant was still in Zimbabwe.
“We don’t want to comment publicly on the details of the incident,” Molobi said.
“We are handling the matter with due consideration.”
The Public Service Association (PSA) said on Monday de Jong laid a charge of assault at the Avondale station of the Zimbabwe Republican Police in Harare against Singapi on May 8.
“She attached a medical report to the statement,” PSA deputy general manager Manie de Clercq said.
“She plans to submit the exact same statement to the police in South Africa.”
She was apparently on her way to the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria to lay charges on Monday afternoon.
De Jong was allegedly assaulted for several minutes in her office at the embassy by Singapi on Friday, May 7.
“Four of Ms de Jong’s colleagues, responding to her screams, managed to pull Singapi away from her where she was lying on the floor,” said De Clercq on Friday.
“Once in the passage, he continued to threaten her by shouting: I am not done with you, I am going to finish you off’.”
De Jong, who lives in Pretoria, is currently in South Africa for her 30 days home leave that was due to her. She was not available for interviews to the media.
She apparently suffered several injuries, including a swollen face and eyes, ears and bruises on her back and chest.
She was allegedly also assaulted by Singapi in June 2009.
De Clercq said she decided not to take action against him then and that it was not as serious as the latest incident.
“[She] was convinced by the then department of foreign affairs to drop the case and ‘make peace and in the interest of the mission to resolve the matter quietly’.”
De Clercq said the PSA had written a letter to minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane about the matter, but had not received a response by Monday.
De Clercq said on Friday the attack was apparently caused by a “whistleblowing” incident.
“De Jong and some of her colleagues were not happy with his conduct.”
Molobi said on Monday the department was not aware of any criminal charges laid against Signapi.
“I cannot comment on that,” he said. –Sapa