Caption: Dr Syam Prabhakaran Nair at the Madadeni Magistrate's Court.
Image: Picture: Supplied
There are calls for bail to be denied for a 66-year-old medical doctor charged with sexually assaulting four patients at Madadeni Hospital.
Dr Syam Prabhakaran Nair, of Newcastle, was arrested last week at the hospital after a whistle-blower alerted police to complaints of him allegedly touching female patients inappropriately and forcing them to perform sexual acts on him.
The patients allege that he sexually assaulted them between August 2025 and last month.
Nair is expected to appear in the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for a formal bail application.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said Nair allegedly touched the victims inappropriately on their breasts and private parts. He said the accused also allegedly forced some of them to perform sexual acts on him.
Netshiunda said the victims complained to a whistle-blower who anonymously alerted the police.
“The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit detectives operationalised the tip-offs. After the victims opened cases, investigations unfolded, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Should other victims come forward with reports of sexual assault and open cases, more charges will be added."
According to the charge sheet:
- Nair allegedly sexually assaulted a 29-year-old woman between October 2025 and March 2026.
- A 35-year-old woman opened charges against him for sexually assaulting her, allegedly touching her breasts and forcing her to touch him on January 19.
- A 35-year-old complainant alleged she was sexually violated on February 26.
- On April 22, a 32-year-old woman charged Nair with sexual assault, which led to his arrest.
Matthew Shunmugam, chairperson of the Newcastle and District Residents Forum, said they were outraged that a senior medical practitioner, entrusted with the care of vulnerable patients, had allegedly violated them.
“These claims, if proven, represent a profound betrayal of public trust and a gross violation of the dignity and safety of women in a public healthcare facility.
"Due to the sensitivity and stigma attached to such cases, victims prefer to remain silent. We call on them to report their cases, so this does not happen again."
He said it was unacceptable that the alleged abuse could persist over an extended period in a state institution.
“This raises serious concerns about oversight, reporting mechanisms, and the protection of patients in our public health system."
He said the forum joined the call to deny Nair's bail.
Dr Imran Keeka, chairperson of the KZN Health portfolio committee, said they were “gravely concerned” about the allegations against Nair.
He said that through the office of the head of Department of Health, the committee wanted the chief executive officer of Madadeni Hospital to appear before it next week.
"This engagement will allow the committee to assess the adequacy of actions taken to date, and the effectiveness of safeguards implemented to protect patients."
Keeka said the committee would continue to exercise its oversight role, ensuring there were no gaps between criminal proceedings and the processes of professional regulatory bodies governing medical practitioners.
“We urge any additional victims to come forward so that all allegations may be properly investigated, and justice served."