Issued by National Ministry of Health
12 April 2005
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has called upon the South African Police Services to speed up the investigation into the death of a patient at Fort Napier Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
In today's Natal Witness report, it is alleged that Lucky Magwaza who was committed to this mental health hospital for murder a few years ago, was beaten and strangled with a wet towel by hospital staff.
While still awaiting the result of the post-mortem which should indicate the possible cause of Magwaza's death, the SAPS has already initiated an inquest into the matter.
The SAPS is also investigating a separate case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm as a result of the allegations that another patient was assaulted by night duty nurses in a separate incident.
"These are criminal actions that should be met with the full might of the law. The Department of Health will be working together with the SAPS to ensure that any staff member that may be involved in these criminal actions is arrested, prosecuted and sentenced accordingly," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang has also directed the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal to also investigate these allegations and act accordingly against any employee that might have acted inappropriately with regard to these alleged incidents.
"These alleged incidents undermine our efforts to implement the Mental Health Care Act which introduces the culture of human right and respect for patients in our mental health services. Those who are found to have been involved in these incidents in any way should be disciplined severely. We definitely cannot keep criminals in our employ," said Minister of Health Tshabalala-Msimang.