A 66-year-old medical doctor, Dr Syam Prabhakaran Nair, has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting four patients at Madadeni Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
The patients, all women, allege that Nair touched them inappropriately and forced them to perform sexual acts on him between August 2025 and April 2026.
Allegations Against Nair
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, Nair allegedly touched the victims inappropriately on their breasts and private parts.
The victims complained to a whistle-blower who anonymously alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Victims’ Accounts
The allegations against Nair include:
- A 29-year-old woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted between October 2025 and March 2026.
- A 35-year-old woman who opened charges against Nair for sexually assaulting her, allegedly touching her breasts and forcing her to touch him on January 19.
- A 35-year-old complainant who alleged she was sexually violated on February 26.
- A 32-year-old woman who charged Nair with sexual assault, which led to his arrest on April 22.
Matthew Shunmugam, chairperson of the Newcastle and District Residents Forum, said they were outraged that a senior medical practitioner had allegedly violated patients.
Dr Imran Keeka, chairperson of the KZN Health portfolio committee, said they were “gravely concerned” about the allegations against Nair and would be engaging with the CEO of Madadeni Hospital to assess the adequacy of actions taken.
For more information on sexual assault and the support available to victims,
The case against Nair is a reminder of the importance of reporting incidents of sexual assault and seeking help.
