NUPSAW condemns the killing of the doctor that occurred in Mpumalanga hospital yesterday, this is appalling, to say the least. This incident begs to the issue of safety and security of our public hospitals in the country and a serious call to the government to make this a priority and not only in hospitals but for all public areas.
It is alleged that an out-patient who came in for a follow-up consultation was handed a file and referred to the X-Ray department. Upon his return, he was seen talking to Dr Senzosenkosi Mkhize, and minutes later he stabbed him in the chest.
The suspected was fleeing from the scene when the security guard intervened and tried to stop him, he was also stabbed in the wrist.
Dr Mkhize was transported to Midmed Hospital but unfortunately, died later that day while the security guard was admitted in the same hospital and he is said to be in a stable condition.
“Dr Mkhize was a dedicated and passionate doctor”, this is the statement by Patricia Mabena, a theatre nurse and NUPSAW’s Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, who was working closely with Dr Mkhize and witnessed the stabbing. According to Ms Mabena, this is the second incident in less than five years. In 2006 two nurses were stabbed by the same suspect who was later arrested and convicted and has recently been released from prison.
As NUPSAW we hope that the suspect is apprehended by the police and brought to justice, and our heart goes out to Dr Mkhize’s family.
For more information please contact
NUPSAW
Communications and Media Liaison Officer
Nomthandazo Mahlangu
078-221-5626