MEC Shongwe condemns killing of a doctor
Media Statement
08 June 2011
Mpumalanga 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.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of
Safety, Security and Liaison
Joseph Mabuza
Contact: 013 766 4055/ 082 678 1450
emabuza@mpg.gov.za
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