The Welkom Magistrates’ Court found Tshediso Mbele (38) guilty of assaulting and humiliating a health worker at the Thabong Clinic.
On 27 March, Mbele was convicted on two counts of common assault, two counts of crimen injuria, one count of malicious damage to property, and one count of trespassing. Mbele committed these acts while on parole, leading to the revocation of his parole.
“This appalling incident occurred on Friday, 26 July 2024. In line with the court’s ruling, Mbele was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to serve the remaining five years of his previous 15-year sentence for rape, which he was on parole for at the time of this heinous act against the health worker.
“He will serve a total of six years and eight months in prison.”
“Consequently, he will serve a total of six years and eight months in prison,” says Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson of the Free State Department of Health.
The physical assault on the health worker took place after Mbele expressed dissatisfaction with the speed of service during his visit to the clinic on 25 July 2024.
After leaving voluntarily, he returned the next day with a bucket of excrement, which he poured on the unsuspecting health worker, causing chaos and forcing the clinic to close prematurely.
Following the attack, Mbele boasted about his actions on social media, demonstrating a lack of remorse and highlighting the premeditated nature of his actions.
A case was opened with the police, which revealed that the perpetrator was a parolee. He was quickly apprehended for both the assault and the violation of his parole conditions. The affected health worker and other staff members received counseling from the department and returned to their duties, showcasing their resilience and commitment to patient care.
Monyatso Mahlatsi, Free State MEC for Health, expressed confidence in the justice system and commended the health worker for her strength and determination to seek justice.
“We commend her for standing firm in the face of adversity and pursuing justice against her perpetrator. We are also pleased that during Human Rights Month, which includes International Women’s Day on 8 March, the courts have upheld the rights of health workers as fundamental human rights,” he said.
Mahlatsi welcomed the sentencing and issued a warning to those who commit acts of violence against public servants.
