Man in court for hospital murder

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital

Published Feb 18, 2014

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Durban - A 40-year-old handyman has appeared in court for the murder of a cleaner at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Vusumuzi Fana Blose appeared briefly in Verulam Magistrate’s Court yesterday. He was not asked to plead and the matter was adjourned until Friday, for a bail application.

KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said Blose had been charged with murder, alternatively culpable homicide, after the death of Philani Ntshangase, 30.

“He will remain in custody till Friday,” she said.

KZN police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, said it was alleged that Ntshangase had been stabbed during an argument.

The dispute took place on the hospital premises and Ntshangase was killed in front of other staff members.

“He was stabbed to death and the suspect was immediately arrested. (The) motive for the killing is unknown,” Zwane said.

The hospital’s spokesman, Sibonelo Ngcobo, confirmed the incident.

“A handyman employed by Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital allegedly assaulted a cleaner from the private cleaning company contracted by the hospital.

“The cleaner was taken to casualty for treatment but, unfortunately, he later died,” Ngcobo said.

KZN Department of Health spokeswoman, Sebe Zwane, could not comment on the incident

“The matter is now with the SAPS. An internal investigation is under way,” Zwane said.

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