Club Med manager granted R5 000 bail in Tinley Manor rape case

A boutique manager at Club Med South Africa in Tinley Manor, KZN, faces Schedule 5 rape and sexual assault charges following allegations involving an 18-year-old male Lebanese guest,reportsThe North Coast Courier. The 35-year-old French national was granted R5 000 bail by Magistrate Mcunu yesterday (August 4) after three days of court proceedings in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court. The delay was attributed to the unavailability of the investigating officer and the State’s verification of the accused’s work permit and residential status.

Under the court’s strict ruling, the suspect must surrender his passport to authorities and remain at his designated residential address for the duration of the legal proceedings. While on bail, he will be housed at a guest house in Salt Rock, paid for by his employer, to prevent any contact with potential witnesses or evidence at the resort. Additional conditions require him to report to the Umhlali Police Station every Monday, attend every scheduled court appearance until the matter is finalised under threat of bail forfeiture and arrest warrants, and strictly avoid communicating with state witnesses or visiting any points of departure, including airports and harbours.

According to the prosecution, the complainant and the accused had drinks at the hotel bar on July 22, after which the guest accepted an invitation to the manager’s on-site staff apartment. The State alleges that the complainant was given alcohol that paralysed him, following which he forced him to perform oral sex. The State further contends that the complainant remains deeply traumatised and is currently psychologically unfit to testify.

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In an affidavit read into the record by defence counsel Advocate Anand-Napaul, a contrasting timeline was presented. The accused stated that he and the complainant first met on July 19 during drinks with other resort staff at the main bar. Three days later, the complainant allegedly joined the suspects and colleagues for late-night drinks and dancing before accepting an invitation to his apartment to continue drinking.

According to him, the complainant subsequently suggested that they engage in sexual activity. He was born in Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean territory, before relocating to France with his family at age two. Having worked at various international Club Med resorts, he transferred to the Tinley Manor resort earlier this year on an 18-month work permit.

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