NORTH WEST: The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in the Bojanala region is deeply saddened by a tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 20 April 2025, at Mabeskraal Clinic in the Moses Kotane Sub-District.
At approximately 04:00 AM, a male patient arrived at the trauma unit of the clinic complaining of severe abdominal pain. The professional nurse on duty began the necessary clinical assessment and intervention. When the patient’s condition showed no signs of improvement, the decision was made to refer him to Moses Kotane Hospital for more advanced care.
While the nurse stepped away briefly to collect a referral letter as part of the transfer process, the patient tragically took his own life within the clinic premises. This happened while the remaining clinical staff — a second professional nurse and an Enrolled Nursing Assistant — were attending to a maternity case in another section of the facility. One security officer was also on duty at the time.
This devastating event has sent shockwaves through the clinic and the broader healthcare community.
DENOSA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also stand in full solidarity with the healthcare professionals who were on duty and who have been deeply affected by the incident.
We acknowledge and support the legal and procedural investigations that may follow such an incident, as accountability is an essential component in building public trust. However, we must emphasise the urgent need to prioritise the emotional and psychological well-being of the healthcare workers involved. DENOSA calls on the North West Department of Health to activate the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) without delay, and to ensure that affected staff are offered professional trauma counselling and psychosocial support.
This incident also highlights several critical issues that require urgent attention:
1. Mental Health Crisis: The tragic loss of life points to a broader mental health challenge in our communities. Primary healthcare facilities need to be better equipped to identify and manage mental health emergencies, particularly during after-hours service.
2. Night Shift Staffing: With only two professional nurses, one assistant, and one security officer on duty during the night, the staffing levels at Mabeskraal Clinic were not adequate to manage multiple patients across departments safely. This places both patients and healthcare workers at risk.
3. Security and Safety Protocols: There is a pressing need to review and strengthen clinic security protocols, especially during night shifts, to ensure a safer environment for all.
4. Systemic Gaps: We urge the Department of Health to undertake a thorough investigation—not just into the incident itself, but into the broader systemic issues that may have contributed to it. This includes evaluating response protocols, facility design, staff workloads, and mental health referral systems.
DENOSA remains steadfast in advocating for improved working conditions, better staffing, and psychological support services in our public health facilities. This tragic incident must serve as a wake-up call to urgently address the conditions under which healthcare professionals are expected to perform, often under immense pressure and with minimal support.
We reaffirm our commitment to supporting our members, advocating for safer workplaces, and ensuring that both patients and health workers are treated with dignity, compassion, and care.
Issued by:
DENOSA North West Provincial Secretary – Reuben Molete
Contact: 071 645 6336
DENOSA North West Provincial Chairperson – Mziwakhe Seleke
Contact: 0716436240