The police have opened an inquest docket after the body of a female patient was found hanging at the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital.
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Health has remained tight-lipped following an incident where a 25-year-old female patient hung herself at the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital on Wednesday.
The police have opened an inquest docket after the body of a patient was found hanging in one of the hospital’s bathrooms.
It is believed that the patient is from Delportshoop and was transferred to the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital from the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital.
The patient was reportedly admitted to hospital following a suicide attempt, where she apparently overdosed on pills.
It is believed that the patient went to the bathroom and used her nightgown to hang herself.
Police spokesperson Tessa Jansen said the police responded to a complaint at a mental hospital in Kimberley.
“On arrival, the police found the body of a 25-year-old female, who was declared dead on the scene by a medical doctor,” said Jansen.
The Northern Cape Department of Health said yesterday that it had noted the “unfortunate incident” that occurred at the Mental Health Hospital on Wednesday, November 3.
Department spokesperson Lebogang Majaha said the department conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
“An investigation is taking place, with all stakeholders involved. No further details will be provided due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of the matter,” said Majaha.
The incident has sparked outrage from members of the public, with many questioning the security measures at the institution.
They questioned why the patient was not under supervision and being monitored if she was admitted as a suicide risk.
“It is very unfortunate. This matter must be investigated properly. It can never be that at times like these people are found dead in that manner. It is very tragic,” said one member of the public.
However, several former patients, who were previously admitted to the mental hospital, believed that security measures were a top-priority at the institution and they could not understand how the incident had happened.
