The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in the Free State is outraged and deeply angered by the barbaric assault and sexual harassment of our member, Comrade Jane Taeli, a 60-year-old Professional Nurse employed by the Department of Health at Thusanong Hospital in the Lejweleputswa District.

Comrade Taeli was brutally attacked by a patient while on duty. She was left helpless, violated, and stripped of her dignity in the very workplace where she has dedicated her life to serving the sick and vulnerable. This vicious act has not only scarred her emotionally, but has also left her suffering physically and health-wise.

What makes this crime even more heart-breaking is that Comrade Taeli was due to retire in September 2026. Instead of spending her last days of employment with dignity and pride, she is now forced to endure pain, trauma, and humiliation. Her retirement, which should have been a time of honour and recognition for decades of service, has been overshadowed by this horrific experience.

This is an unforgivable crime against a worker who has dedicated decades of service to the people of this province. It is also a crime against all health workers who continue to face danger in their workplaces without adequate protection.

NEHAWU will not stand idle while perpetrators of such heinous acts attempt to walk free. On 14 August 2026, during the court proceedings at the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court, NEHAWU members will march in defiance to oppose the bail application of the perpetrator.

We will make a direct submission to the Chief Magistrate, demanding that bail be denied. Granting bail would be a betrayal of justice and a slap in the face of every health worker who risks their life daily in service of the community.

In addition, NEHAWU will hand over a memorandum of demands to the MEC for Health, calling for:

·        Immediate and decisive action to protect health workers from violence in the workplace.

·        Accountability from the Department of Health for failing to safeguard its employees.

·        Comprehensive support for Comrade Taeli, including medical, psychological, and financial assistance.

This march is not just about one nurse; it is about the dignity, safety, and respect of all workers. NEHAWU declares: Enoughisenough! We will not allow our members to be brutalised and then abandoned. The perpetrator must face the full force of the law, and the government must act to protect those who serve.

END

Issued by NEHAWU Free State Provincial Secretariat

For further information, please contact Khauhelo Mnqibisa [Provincial Secretary] at 063 685 1887 or email Khauhelo@nehawu.org.za