MEC Shongwe condemns killing of a doctor
08 June 2011
Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Mr Vusi Shongwe condemns the killing
of a doctor by a patient saying security guards have the responsibility of
searching everyone who enters state institutions, including hospitals to make
sure that there are no unauthorized weapons taken inside the buildings.
Shongwe’s condemnation comes after it was reported yesterday [07 June
2011] that a patient who came for consultation in Middelburg Hospital, allegedly
stabbed a doctor who later died in a private hospital. A security guard who was
trying to intervene during the incident was also stabbed in his wrist.
The MEC said that it was regrettable that such incident happened in a
government establishment where safety of all the people using the facility,
including patients and doctors should be a priority.
“Access control at hospitals is the duty of the security guards posted there and they should make sure that people accessing the facilities are always checked to ensure that everybody is safe”, said Shongwe.
He called on the police to hunt and arrest the suspect who has ran away
shortly after stabbing the two and also called for thorough investigation by
police to find what could have been the motive of the stabbing.
“Through our security management officials, the department will also establish how the suspect gained entry to the hospital with a knife, without the security guards detecting him, and steps should be taken against those guards who failed to perform their duties as required”, added Shongwe.
Meanwhile, the MEC sends condolences to the grieving family of the
doctor, saying the province has lost a valuable expert who dedicated his life to
serving people. Shongwe also wishes the injured security guard a speedy
recovery.
Contact:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Email:
emabuza@mpg.gov.za
Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
