Deadly neglect at NC hospitals exposed

A REPORT into the deaths and maltreatment of psychiatric patients at health facilities in the Northern Cape has revealed chilling cases of neglect and human rights violations.

- SANDI KWON HOO

One patient reportedly froze to death, another remains bedridden and dependent on nursing staff following brain surgery, and a third died after contracting double pneumonia, possibly due to exposure to severe cold.

The findings, released by Health Ombudsman Professor Taole Mokoena on July 30, concluded that patients received inadequate medical care and that the deaths could have been avoided.

The investigation was conducted by the Health Ombud in collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission.

The R2.1 billion Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital (NCMHH) was described as a “death trap”.

A complaint was lodged by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on October 10, 2024, following the deaths of two patients at NCMHH and the critical condition of two others who were admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH). Both facilities are located in Kimberley.

The incidents occurred in July and August 2024 and involved patients Cyprian Mohoto, Petrus De Bruin, and John Louw, who were all admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) after complications at NCMHH.

Another patient, Tshepo Mdimbaza, died at NCMHH.

At the time, NCMHH was experiencing challenges with the electricity supply due to cable theft and vandalism of its power substation.

Mokoena stated that the absence of electricity left hospital telephones and air conditioning out of service, while both patients and staff endured extreme weather conditions.

He pointed out that it took an entire year to restore electricity to NCMHH. At times, the facility was left in complete darkness due to a shortage of diesel.

"The investigation found that the delay in repairing the electricity supply to NCMHH was due to dysfunctional supply chain management processes within the provincial Department of Health," said Mokoena.