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Man accused of assault at SA Antarctic base apologises, with entire over-wintering team to receive counselling

Details

southafricalogoTimesLIVE reports that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has confirmed that the overwintering team member accused of assault and sexual harassment at SA’s remote research base in Antarctica has apologised and shown remorse.

The accused SANAE IV team member has also agreed to participate in psychological evaluation, while the rest of the team will receive professional counselling. The DFFE denied ignoring warning signals and said there were no indications that anybody needed to be removed from the base. It advised on Monday: “The alleged perpetrator has willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willingly co-operative to follow any interventions recommended. He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologise to all members at the base. The department has also implemented a longer-term, sustained intervention process through trained professional counselling services to restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment.” Environment minister Dion George will help with mediation efforts. The DFFE confirmed being alerted to the alleged assault on February 27, after the SA Agulhas II vessel had left to return home after delivering the overwintering team, which is due to spend another year together. A separate case of sexual harassment, involving the same team member and a second victim, is being investigated.

  • Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bobby Jordan at TimesLIVE
  • Read too, Environment department confirms no evacuations from Antarctic research base despite assault allegations, at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
  • En ook, Minister gryp in na vuiste by afgeleë Antarktika-basis klap, by Maroela Media


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