Health officials call for investigation after fatal gate collapse
Key Points:
- A 35-year-old female guard died after a gate fell on her in Gqeberha.
- The Eastern Cape Health MEC called for a full investigation into the tragedy.
- The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in South African hospitals
Hospital community mourns loss as investigation begins
A 35-year-old female security guard died after a heavy-duty gate collapsed on her at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The provincial Department of Health confirmed the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, April 23.
Siyanda Manana, spokesperson for the department, said the woman worked for a private security company contracted to the hospital. He said the gate caused severe head injuries, and despite emergency care efforts, she could not be saved.
“After sustaining head injuries from the heavy-duty gate, the guard was promptly rushed to the emergency care unit, where resuscitation attempts failed,” Manana stated.
Health MEC calls for urgent safety probe
Eastern Cape Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa expressed her condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. She described the event as a heartbreaking tragedy and emphasized the need to ensure safety in public health facilities.
“The safety of the hospital community, including our patients and workers, is always a priority. It is heartbreaking when we lose someone in such a tragic manner,” Capa said.
She has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the incident. Manana confirmed the probe will explore circumstances around the fatality and recommend remedial measures to prevent such events in the future.
Authorities, including the South African Police Service and the Department of Labour, have been informed and are expected to participate in the inquiry.
“Safety and security in our health facilities remain a critical element, as we deal with thousands of patients and relatives who seek life-saving public health care — sometimes under emergency conditions,” Capa added.
Other recent hospital incidents raise alarm
This incident comes on the heels of another troubling event reported by IOL News in March. In Limpopo’s Philadelphia Hospital psychiatric ward, police began investigating the murder of a 33-year-old patient, who was found with a gunshot wound and multiple injuries. A fellow patient was allegedly caught biting the victim’s genitals. During efforts to intervene, security shot and wounded the suspect, who is now under police guard in hospital. A stray bullet also injured a security officer.
The suspect now faces a charge of murder as authorities continue investigations into safety practices in public health facilities.
