Accused Male Nurse Changes Defense Team Amidst Rape Trial Proceedings

In a surprising turn of events, the male nurse facing rape charges at Matatiele Taylor Bequest Hospital has opted to switch his defense team. The accused, currently in custody, appeared in court on Tuesday for trial but made a startling announcement – he dismissed his initial defense lawyer, Sivuyile Dlangamandla, and enlisted the services of Ntandazo Jaca to take over the case. Both legal representatives were present in court when the developments were disclosed by the prosecutor, a revelation later confirmed by Dlangamandla and Jaca. The latter informed the court of their intention to reapply for bail. The case has been remanded to December 11.

The alleged rape occurred on the night of September 26 in an ablution facility at Matatiele Taylor Bequest Hospital. During the initial bail hearing, investigating officer Hlangu detailed that the suspect purportedly coerced the patient into a toilet, where he forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with her after she declined his advances. The incident was reported to hospital management on the following day, and the victim underwent forensic investigation at the Thuthuzela Care Centre.

During the first bail application, Dlangamandla, the suspect’s initial lawyer, emphasized the accused’s role as a provider for his three young children, aged 8, 6, and 3. He argued that the suspect posed no threat to the investigation or witnesses and highlighted the lack of public outcry, noting that only the accused’s relatives attended court proceedings. To support this claim, a witness, Eunice Meva (the suspect’s sister), testified that she facilitated financial support from the suspect to the mothers of his children.

However, cross-examination by the prosecutor raised doubts about the sincerity of the suspect’s familial support, pointing out that Meva lacked crucial information about the children, such as their names and the names of their mothers. The prosecutor argued against granting bail, citing the strength of the police case and the case’s public interest, as evidenced by the courtroom attendance. The defense contested this, asserting that only the accused’s relatives were present. Bail was ultimately denied due to contradictory evidence and the suspect’s uncertainty about his place of residence.