Correctional services: Ninow did not overdose
The Department of Correctional Services has refuted claims that rape suspect Nicholas Ninow was admitted to hospital for a drug overdose.
Anti-rape organisation #NotINMyName's alleged that Ninow was admitted to Kalafong Hospital for an apparent drug overdose on Friday.
The organisation's spokesperson Themba Masango said Ninow had injected himself with illicit drugs sold in the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, where he is being held pending his trial.
The department's spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says according to their records Ninow reported at the health care facility (in person) for medical attention.
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"And was examined by DCS health care professionals who then recommended that he be transferred to an external medical centre for further examination.
"Sadly, DCS was never asked nor engaged by the #NotInMyName on the circumstances which may have led to Mr Ninow being treated by medical professionals."
Nxumalo says Ninow is stable and is waiting to be discharged back to our correctional facility.
After undergoing a psychiatric evaluation at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital - when his defence lawyer told the court the man was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder- he was declared fit to stand trial.
He has been in custody since his arrest in September last year.
Ninow’s trial is set to start in September in the High Court in Pretoria.