A 35-year-old French Club Med employee is being prosecuted for rape and sexual assault against an 18-year-old Canadian client in Ballito, South Africa. {source_ref:1}
The South African prosecutor's office indicated on Wednesday that the prosecution is underway. {source_ref:2}
According to the prosecutor, the accused allegedly drank alcohol with the victim at the resort before inviting him to staff quarters where the assault occurred. {source_ref:4}
A representative of the victim's family told South African media that the victim and his parents suspect a drug was added to the victim's drink without his knowledge. {source_ref:9}
Legal proceedings and defense response
The accused was arrested on July 23, according to the South African media outlet News24. {source_ref:5}
The defense characterized the sexual encounter as consensual to other media outlets. {source_ref:11}
A court hearing is scheduled to take place on October 5. {source_ref:7}
The conditions of the accused's bail include surrendering his passport to the police, informing the police of any travel outside his residence, and not communicating with any witnesses. {source_ref:8}
Club Med response
Club Med stated that the employee has been suspended pending the results of ongoing investigations. {source_ref:14}
The company stated that resort management immediately triggered crisis management and person protection procedures upon being informed of the allegation. {source_ref:13}
The company stated it is 'fully collaborating with the South African authorities'. {source_ref:15}
The Club Med center in Ballito, a seaside resort near Durban, opened one month prior to the incident. {source_ref:3}
