South African team reports feeling threatened by fellow researcher
A South African research team stationed at the remote SANAE IV outpost in Antarctica has raised concerns about a colleague who has allegedly engaged in violent behavior, including physical assaults, threats, and sexual harassment. The crew, consisting of nine members, was expected to remain at the base for another ten months but is now requesting urgent intervention.
Research team members and their roles
The team consists of three women and six men. Among them is a doctor who owns a skincare brand, a meteorologist, and several engineers. While the identity of the allegedly violent crew member—referred to as a “madman”—has not been disclosed.
According to the South African National Antarctic Programme, the members are:
- Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe – team leader and senior meteorological technician
- Nivek Ghazi – deputy team leader and electronics engineer
- Dr. Sihle Mpho Lawana – medical professional
- Nkululeko Welcome Khoza – mechanical engineer
- Athenkosi Mabope – communications engineer
- Geomarr Van Tonder – electronics engineer
- Allowed Tumelo Seepane – instrumentation technician
- Alian Stuart Jacobs – diesel mechanic
- Lebogang James Tsime – electro-mechanical engineer
The accused team member has not been publicly identified. However, reports suggest that their actions have created an atmosphere of fear within the group.
Escalating threats and team’s plea for help
According to an email sent by the team to authorities, the individual’s behavior has become increasingly dangerous.
One team member allegedly sexually harassed colleagues and even threatened to kill one of them, The Guardian reported. In an email to authorities, the team expressed grave concern, stating, “His behavior has escalated to a deeply disturbing level. I remain seriously worried about my own safety, constantly fearing I could be his next victim.”
Despite these concerns, there are no immediate plans to evacuate the colleague. With limited means of communication, they are expected to remain at the base until December, when a scheduled supply ship arrives.
South Africa’s Environment Minister Dion George addressed the situation, stating that there were no incidents severe enough to warrant an emergency extraction and that the base remains under control.
