South African Antarctic Team Reports Assault and Death Threats in Isolated Base

A researcher at the SANAE IV station has been accused of assaulting colleagues and issuing threats, prompting calls for intervention as the team remains stranded until December.

An email from South Africa's SANAE IV Antarctic research base detailed allegations of physical and sexual assault, as well as death threats, by one team member.
The 10-person team is isolated at the remote base, with no scheduled relief until December due to extreme weather and logistical constraints.
South Africa’s environment minister confirmed the assault and stated that the accused individual has been re-evaluated and expressed remorse.
Authorities are conducting an investigation and exploring possible interventions, including coordination with nearby German and Norwegian Antarctic stations for emergency support.
The incident highlights the psychological pressures of extended isolation in Antarctica, where small conflicts can escalate in the harsh and confined environment.