The OFM News team headed to the facility on Friday as the sole suspect in the much-publicised attempted rape incident on June 4, reappeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. OFM News’ Donovan Jacobs reports that while two entrances to the premises seemed tightly secured, the rest of the hospital remains surprisingly relaxed.

“There is a lot of security on site at one of the hospital’s main entrances on Dr Belcher Road,” says Jacobs. “There was a long line of vehicles being screened with motorists being made to sign a register before entering. The walk-in section, on the other hand, was manned by one security guard who monitored people coming in and going out but did not screen them. A security van from the University of Free State is on site and has been since medical doctors training at Pelonomi raised concerns regarding their safety. A private security company has also been hired and can be seen walking around the hospital.”

The second entrance that leads into the hospital’s private section was more relaxed, Jacobs reports. “Our details were not taken, and the unmarked car was not checked. We then proceeded to the backside of the hospital where we passed the Bochabela walk-in entrance where two security guards were scanning visitors walking in. Proceeding through the back entrance of the hospital, the security desk was vacant and we noticed only one security officer present as we made our way through the hospital. We were not stopped or questioned.”

The visit revealed that it was only the entrances to the premises of the Pelonomi Hospital that seemed secure but once inside, everything remains very casual and relaxed.

The Department of Health in the province and hospital management were faced with adversity after a second doctor was accosted by two suspects with a gun in the parking lot of the state facility.

Meanwhile, the man whose tongue was bitten off by a medical intern as he allegedly tried to rape her, has been referred for a psychiatric evaluation, postponing bail application proceedings further.

OFM News/Olebogeng Motse and Donovan Jacobs