Claims destroy relationship

2003-07-09 08:57

Annelie Muller

Port Elizabeth - The "thing" with the prison head have resulted in a rift between Maryke Vosloo and her fiance.

This was the view of Nicholas Smith, Vosloo's former fiance, in the sexual harassment case against Tamsanqa Khoza, provincial security chief of the department of correctional services.

The three women in the case, Vosloo, Adèle van Heerden and Debbie Louw, instituted legal proceedings against their superior because of alleged incidents of sexual harassment and crimen injuria in 1998 and 1999.

Smith, a Uitenhage farmer, says he became incensed when Vosloo, who worked as a psychiatrist at St Albans prison, recounted what had happened at work.

"Four times I drove to the prison to discuss the matter with Khoza, but every time she stopped me and told me to remain calm. She was afraid she would be fired", he said.

Smith says Vosloo told him that Khoza wanted to take her away for a weekend. She was told to inform her colleagues that she was going to attend a course. Smith also said she told him that Khoza incessantly asked for hugs and kisses, which made her feel very uncomfortable.

According to Vosloo, Khoza also wanted to know whether she touched the men in prison while conducting sex therapy.

Smith says: "In another incident, he offered to have Maryke's dress washed when she complained that it smelled of cat urine. He said she could wait in his office while the dress dried."

After a departmental investigation ruled that there was not evidence to start a case against Khoza, Smith apparently contacted the police's anti-corruption unit.

"I wanted to see that justice prevailed. I will do anything for the woman I love", Smith said in evidence.

He said their three-and-a-half-year relationship ended because of Khoza's behaviour.

"It caused so much friction between Maryke and me that I said I didn't want to hear another word."

Smith had suggested that Vosloo make notes of the alleged incidents.

Riaan Vosloo, union representative at St Albans, gave evidence on Tuesday that Vosloo had reported the matter to him. "She said that Khoza became arrogant and rude after she refused his sexual advances."

He said that she was very scared of Khoza and he also advised her to make notes of the incidents.

- Die Burger