The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating three Sybase SA staff members after they allegedly raped a Sybase employee and a visitor.
The assault is alleged to have happened at the company's Woodmead head office on 11 December last year. One of the victims (the Sybase employee) has subsequently laid a charge at the Sandton branch of the SAPS.
A close relative of the victim claims she was drugged and sexually assaulted at the company's offices by other staff members after several employees had gone to the firm's open bar for after-work drinks.
None of the parties involved can be named for legal reasons, although the identity of one of the alleged victims is known to ITWeb.
The relative alleges the company has swept the matter under the rug, and has not paid for either trauma counselling, or medical bills.
Medical costs have amounted to almost R3 000, which includes antiretrovirals, which the family has paid for as the company did not provide counselling, nor report the matter to SAPS, she adds.
In addition, she says, the victim is now being victimised for having the courage to lay a charge against the other employees. “The whole thing is being covered up.”
Sybase responds
However, Sybase SA CEO Alan Cowley denies the company is sweeping the matter under the rug.
“Sybase takes this matter very seriously; we have neither tried to ignore nor avoid this difficult incident, but have rather engaged and assisted the alleged victims and the reporting of the incident to the SAPS.”
Cowley says the company facilitated medical help and a trauma councillor, as well as engaging with the family of the staff member. He adds that, if necessary, disciplinary measures will be taken against anyone involved, and the company will assist any criminal investigation.
However, Cowley denies the alleged rape involved Sybase staff members, and did not confirm where the incident took place. “As far as we are aware, no Sybase staff member was involved in the alleged incident and we are unsure at this stage where it in fact occurred.”
He says that, despite none of the company's staff being involved, “we have nonetheless commissioned a full investigation into the incident”.
Staff involvement
Inspector Lee Ramdiyal, of the Sandton police station, confirms three Sybase staff members are being traced in connection with the rape charge, which is alleged to have taken place at the company.
Ramdiyal says the investigating officer is waiting for the sexual assault kit from the victim's general practitioner, and the suspects will be arrested once they have been traced.
The victim has also hired a private investigator to look into the matter, and will pursue a civil case, says her relative.
The family has also logged a case at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, arguing that Sybase has a duty to protect staff while on its premises.
Sybase has over 200 staff members.
Share