South Africa's parliamentary ethics committee has initiated an investigation into Deputy Health Minister Sibongiseni Dhlomo following a sexual assault complaint filed against him.

The allegations were made by a male parliamentary staffer, detailed in a report by The Sunday Times.

The complainant stated that Dr. Dhlomo had sexually assaulted him after inviting him to his Cape Town residence. Dr. Dhlomo has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that the staffer was asked to leave his home for taking a banana from a fruit basket without permission, suggesting the staffer's motives may be revenge.

A subcommittee will convene in November to address the allegations, with Western Cape police also commencing their investigations.