Spokesperson Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga said: “The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirms that a civilian doctor was arrested by the Oudtshoorn South African Police Service (SAPS) on Saturday, 23 April 2016 and charged for alleged acts of sexual assault committed over period 18 to 21 April 2016, at the SA Army Infantry School in Oudtshoorn.

“The civilian doctor is conducting his community service at the Unit’s sickbay,” Mabanga said. “He appeared in court in Oudtshoorn on Thursday, 28 April 2016 and was granted bail. He faces alleged charges of sexual assault, including rape, allegedly committed whilst he was conducting medical examinations on two new female recruits under the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) at the SA Army Infantry School.”

Mabanga said Oudtshoorn police was investigating the alleged charges and that no further information could be supplied as the matter was still under investigation.

“The Department of Defence (DOD) will, concurrent to the SAPS investigation, invoke its internal processes to address the matter,” Mabanga said.

The SANDF was cooperating with the investigations as “any legally-proven act of ill-discipline is not and will not be tolerated from any member in the employment of the SANDF, regardless of their social standing and or appointment within the organisation”.

ANA