Club Med worker charged with rape in South Africa

A French Club Med employee in South Africa has been charged with rape and sexual assault involving a teenage guest, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The 35-year-old accused appeared in court on Tuesday and was released on bail of 5,000 rand, about $300, a spokesperson for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said. His bail conditions include surrendering his passport, informing police before changing his verified address and not contacting witnesses.

Local media reported that the teenager was on holiday with his family at Club Med's resort in Ballito, north of Durban on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. News24 reported that the accused was a GO, or “gentil organisateur”, responsible for organising activities and entertainment for guests.

Prosecutors allege that the accused drank alcohol with the teenager before inviting him to staff-only accommodation, where he allegedly raped him. Local media reported that the teenager and his parents suspect his drinks may have been spiked.

The accused was arrested on July 23, the day after the alleged incident.

Club Med said it takes allegations of sexual assault or inappropriate behaviour extremely seriously and had activated crisis and safeguarding procedures after learning of the incident. The company said the employee had been placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of investigations.