A Durban woman has laid an assault charge against Public Protector Selby Baqwa, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Captain Vishnu Naidoo confirmed late on Tuesday evening.

Dolly Mkhulisi claims Baqwa assaulted her at the Durban City Lodge hotel on October 30, while he was attending the 13th international ombudsman conference, where he was elected vice president of the International Ombudsman Institution.

Naidoo told Sapa a charge of common assault against Baqwa was made at the Durban Central police station on November 7.

Naidoo said he could not give details concerning the alleged assault.

"The matter is still under investigation. As soon as we are finished it will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions to make a decision on prosecution."

Baqwa's spokeswoman Nicolette Teichman said the Public Protector strongly denied the allegation.

"He is painfully aware of his responsibility both in public and in private. It is not unusual for people to sling mud at a person in his position," Teichman said.

Baqwa on Tuesday consulted Durban advocate Morimo Moerane, who confirmed that he had discussed the alleged assault with the Public Protector.

"At this stage I do not want to comment because I have not yet received instructions from my client," he said.

Moerane said the matter would be taken further on Wednesday.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.