/ 8 June 2011

Anger at killing of doctor in Mpumalanga

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) is disgusted by the killing of a doctor at the Middleburg Hospital in Mpumalanga, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

“Most hospitals are suffering from security lapses which, among other things, are caused by lack of security intelligence at these institutions, with lowly trained security companies issued with tenders and the absence of continuous observation of all patients in the vicinity of health sites,” spokesperson Mampane Norman said in a statement.

“We join all progressive trade unions organising within the health sector to campaign vigorously to change the status quo.”

On Tuesday a 32-year-old patient allegedly stabbed Dr Senzosenkosi Mkhize in the chest and a security guard who tried to intervene, in the wrist, at about midday. At the time Mkhize was working in the out-patient department, where the patient had gone for a follow-up consultation.

The guard was admitted to the same hospital in a stable condition. Mkhize was transferred to a nearby private hospital in a critical condition and died later in the day.

The patient fled the scene and is still at large.

Popcru called on police to “hunt” for the 32-year-old.

This is not an isolated incident
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) on Wednesday said it was angered by the killing.

“As an organisation that advocates for safe practice environment for all healthcare workers, we are disturbed that such incidents of brutality are persisting in our health centres,” spokesperson Asanda Fongqo said in a statement.

“As Denosa we are concerned by the safety and security of healthcare workers in the province as this is not an isolated incident. This issue needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency if we are to overhaul our health system.”

Both trade unions sent condolences to Mkhize’s family and friends. — Sapa