Umlazi TCC (Thuthuzela Care Centre)

About the Umlazi Thuthuzela Care Centre

The Umlazi TCC is a government-operated, 24-hour one-stop facility for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. It is located at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Ward C4, Off Mangosuthu Highway, Umlazi, 4061, in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

Umlazi is one of the largest townships in South Africa, with a population of over one million people in southern Durban. Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital is the primary public hospital serving Umlazi and surrounding communities including Isipingo, Wentworth, and parts of Chatsworth. The TCC is located in Ward C4 — ask at the hospital entrance for the Thuthuzela Care Centre or Ward C4.

It is operated by the NPA's SOCA Unit in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and other government departments.

Services Offered — What Happens When You Arrive

The TCC model provides the most comprehensive pre-trial services for victims of gender-based violence — psychosocial, medical, and legal services under one roof — with a victim-centred approach based on respect, comfort, restoring dignity, and ensuring justice for all vulnerable groups.

At the Umlazi TCC:

1. Welcome and crisis support: a TCC Coordinator or Victim Assistant Officer receives you and provides immediate comfort and trauma containment
2. Medical examination with your consent; nurse present throughout; clothing may be retained as forensic evidence
3. Bath or shower facilities available after the examination
4. Police statement taken at the TCC — you may open a case immediately or at a later stage
5. Counselling by a social worker or nurse
6. HIV PEP, STI treatment, emergency contraception prescribed and follow-up arranged
7. Long-term counselling referral made before you leave
8. Transportation or safe accommodation arranged if you cannot safely return home
9. Specialist TCC State Advocate oversees your case from reporting to prosecution via prosecutor-guided investigation (PGI)
10. Court preparation support if the case goes to trial
11. Ongoing case updates through the Victim Assistant Officer

Child-Friendly Services

TCCs are equipped with child-friendly furniture, two-way mirrors, closed-circuit TV, and educational materials to support child victims and witnesses safely.

Additional Support

The TCC also provides food, comfort packs, and clothing as part of restoring the dignity of the victim.

How to Access the Centre

• Go directly to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, off Mangosuthu Highway, Umlazi, and ask for the Thuthuzela Care Centre (Ward C4)
• Report to any Umlazi or eThekwini south police station and ask to be taken to the TCC
• Emergency services can transport you
• All services are entirely free of charge

Who They Serve

Any person (woman, man, girl, or boy) who has been raped or sexually assaulted — including survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other GBV in Umlazi, Isipingo, Wentworth, and southern eThekwini. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Operated By

NPA SOCA Unit, in partnership with: - KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital) - SAPS eThekwini South - Department of Social Development - Department of Justice

NPA KwaZulu-Natal Cluster Managers

Adv. Omashani Naidoo — 031 334 5192 Adv. Mzoxolo Rusi — 031 334 5179 Adv. Dawn Coleman-Malinga — 033 391 2730