Thohoyandou - A nurse has been strangled by a mental patient at the prisoners’ ward of Hayani Psychiatric Hospital in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, the provincial department of health said on Friday.
The 52-year-old mother of five was attacked from behind while on duty on Thursday.
“According to the video footage, the shocking incident occurred while the nurse was busy with her routine work when she was attacked by a psychiatric patient from behind, killing her instantly,” said spokesman Derick Kganyago.
“We are very worried by the spate of violence at our psychiatric facilities. It is indeed a sad moment for us as the department, to have to deal with the loss of our fellow employees.”
Health MEC Thothi Mathuba said an investigative team consisting of psychiatric experts and correctional services security experts would be assembled to look into the incident.
The team would also give advice on dealing with psychiatric patients.
African News Agency