The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Eastern Cape is shocked and saddened by the news of the killing of a nurse on duty at Zithulele Hospital in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape.
This horrific incident that left her colleagues, the hospital staff, patients, security personnel and visitors frightened, happened on 25 December 2022. A dedicated nurse who was a NEHAWU member was on duty doing her normal chores and above all, making Christmas a joyful day to patients who could not be with their families on this day due to health reasons as well as her colleagues.
It is reported that two men entered the hospital under the guise of visiting a patient and when they met the nurse, they dragged her out of the hospital building in full view of those who were present and shot her dead. This is a sign of disrespecting hospital rules and high levels of desperation and determination to kill her. This incident happened just after the 16 Days of Activism against Women & Children Abuse. This repulsive act undermines the efforts to eliminate abuse of women and children.
This recent ordeal has furthermore, turned the spotlight on inadequate security in our hospitals and highlights the plight of women in a patriarchal society. We call upon the Provincial Department of Health to bolster security in the medical facilities to avoid further recurrence of these incidents. Safety and security of the workers is a responsibility government cannot abdicate.
Law enforcement agencies and the community of Mqanduli must work hand in glove, side by side to ensure that the culprits are brought to book and face the full might of the law. Successful prosecution may bring closure to the family of the nurse.
We can only imagine the pain suffered by her family at this time. Death robbed them of one of their own in the line of duty while they were rejoicing and celebrating Christmas. COSATU expresses its sincere deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. May her dear soul rest in eternal peace.
Issued by COSATU Eastern Cape
Contact:
Mkhawuleli Maleki-COSATU Provincial Secretary
Mobile: 082 339 5482
Email: mkhawuleli@cosatu.org.za