A 35-year-old Club Med employee remains in custody after an 18-year-old Canadian guest accused him of rape and sexual assault at the company’s newly opened Tinley Manor resort on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast.
The accused was arrested on 23 July, one day after the alleged incident. Police said the teenager reported that the employee offered him a drink before he began feeling dizzy and became too weak to resist.
State raises flight-risk concerns
The State alleges that the employee gave the teenager alcohol before taking him to staff accommodation, where the alleged offences occurred.
The accused denies the allegations. In court papers, he claimed the encounter was consensual and initiated by the teenager.
His bail application continued in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The hearing was briefly delayed while the investigating officer verified a new address submitted for the accused.
Investigating officer Warrant Officer Derrick Thembinkosi Mnyandu also raised concerns that the accused could be sent back to France if released on bail and later dismissed by his employer.
The defence argued that he would surrender his passport. The matter was postponed to Tuesday for arguments and a ruling.
Psychological report details alleged trauma
A psychological evaluation prepared for the court said the teenager showed emotional shock, anxiety, disturbed sleep and intrusive memories after the alleged incident.
The report said he did not want to appear in court, including through a remote hearing. It recommended that any participation in the case should be carefully paced and trauma-informed.
The teenager’s parents were also described as experiencing shock and severe anxiety while supporting their son.
Pearl Walsh, an anti-gender-based violence activist speaking for the family, said the incident had disrupted their work, routines and sense of safety. She also raised concerns that the teenager’s drink may have been spiked and called for investigators to secure all available evidence.
Employee suspended on full pay
Court papers state that the accused remains on precautionary suspension with full pay while Club Med conducts an internal investigation.
His employer is also paying for alternative accommodation at a Salt Rock guest house until his work permit expires in February 2027.
Club Med said it takes allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and is cooperating with authorities. The company said it would issue a fuller statement when it was able to do so.
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