Musician opens rape case after alleged assault on MSC cruise ship

Days after arriving back on South African soil, the 29-year-old Kraaifontein musician and mother who was aboard the MSC Musica and claimed she was sexually assaulted by a colleague, has opened a case of rape with local police.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the case: “Kindly be advised that the mentioned case number is a rape case registered at Strandfontein SAPS  for investigation. This case will be transferred to Mitchells Plain FCS for further investigation. Investigations continues, no arrest as yet.”

It is understood the colleague who is also South African and was part of a music duo with the woman, has since disembarked and is expected to return home.

It is further understood that he is well-known in the music industry.

In response to the case being opened the young woman said she is still suffering emotionally but needed to get justice for what had happened.

“I feel anxious and nervous, with an underlying sense of fear. Standing up for myself is something I have never done before when someone has wronged me, so this step feels new, uncomfortable, and at times makes me feel as though I’m doing something wrong despite also knowing that I’m doing something right,” she told Cape Argus.

"The emotions are complicated further by the fact that he is a father to a daughter and a son. “What has been most painful for me is realising that there seemed to be no consideration of how he would feel if the same actions were directed toward his own child.

"Although this has been emotionally difficult, I believe it is necessary and important to speak up.”

Earlier this week, MSC Cruises confirmed they were aware of the allegations: “A serious allegation of sexual assault was reported by one of our female onboard crew against a male crew member. This is currently being thoroughly investigated, and we have provided her with every level of support for her wellbeing.

 “As the investigation is ongoing, we have nothing to add at this stage other than to say that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of assault against any of our passengers or crew members.”

Cape Argus has since reached out to MSC Cruises regarding the criminal case being opened and await feedback.

The victim, was contracted for a six-month Spanish/Portuguese route until May 2026.

She alleges her dream opportunity became a nightmare on December 6. After reporting the incident to HR and her agency, she was allegedly told to continue performing with the perpetrator under a "show must go on policy" and warned about abrupt contract termination. She chose to involve MSC Security over Portuguese law enforcement.

The "trouble" allegedly began with inappropriate sexual remarks from her colleague, escalating to inappropriate comments, which she politely declined, trying to maintain a professional environment. Six days after boarding, following their set, the colleague allegedly followed her to her cabin, forced his way in, and sexually assaulted her despite her protests.

A few days later, in a separate incident at the crew bar, the colleague allegedly "attacked her in public," grabbing her neck, choking her, and whispering a remark before smiling and leaving. This led her to formally report the behavior.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus