Madadeni hospital victim recounts alleged sexual assault by KZN doctor

Please note the following story contains graphic details.

One of the victims of alleged sexual assault by a KwaZulu-Natal doctor has spoken out about her experience at Madadeni Hospital.

The victim, who cannot be named, was in court when the doctor made his first appearance on Thursday.

In the company of her parents and the investigating officer, she broke her silence and spoke publicly for the first time.

The victim, whose identity must be protected pending the finalisation of the case, described her experience at the hands of Dr Shyam Prabhakaran as traumatic.

At the time of the alleged incidents, she had been admitted to the hospital after being involved in a car accident.

She said that various doctors attended to her during her stay, but that things changed when she was referred to this particular doctor.

“He instructed me to touch my toes and while doing so, he rubbed his private part against my behind. He also touched my breast. I failed to understand why he touched my breast because I had a problem with my lower back.”

She said she had five separate encounters with the doctor.

“He made me lie on the edge of the bed, forcefully opened my legs and again rubbed himself against me. He also made me sit on top of him.”

The victim added that the ordeal has left her terrified and she is now afraid of seeking medical attention when she is unwell.

Police said their investigations led to the arrest of the suspect and that more charges are imminent.