Rafu's family reject PSC's probe clearing Eerste River Hospital on assault accusations

Florence Rafu was admitted to the hospital in March after not feeling well. Four days later she apparently woke up at Tygerberg Hospital not knowing how she got to a different hospital with bruises on her face, and a broken leg.

Florence Rafu was admitted to the hospital in March after not feeling well. Four days later she apparently woke up at Tygerberg Hospital not knowing how she got to a different hospital with bruises on her face, and a broken leg.

Published Oct 18, 2021

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CAPE TOWN - The disgruntled family of Florence Rafu has rejected a Public Service Commission (PSC) investigation that cleared the Eerste River Hospital on assault accusations.

The family is now questioning how the PSC came to the conclusion as investigators allegedly did not speak to anyone from the family, including Rafu.

Rafu ,52, was admitted to the hospital in March after not feeling well.

Four days later she apparently woke up at Tygerberg Hospital not knowing how she got to a different hospital with bruises on her face, and a broken leg.

When the Cape Times visited the mother in May she explained that nurses at Tygerberg Hospital had informed her she was transferred there with the injuries.

Rafu and the family believed she was assaulted because she went to the hospital due to being sick and not injured.

A case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was registered at Kleinvlei SAPS for investigation.

Rafu died in June, while still seeking answers.

Commissioner Leonardo Goosen said during the investigation they received the co-operation required from the provincial Department of Health and the Eerste River hospital management.

“The allegations regarding assault of a patient were found to be unsubstantiated.

“In line with our mandate to ensure that the public service complies with the underlying constitutional values and principles for public administration, as well as our developmental approach, we have made certain recommendations to the department in order to assist it with discharging its mandate of care to patients.

“Our report and recommendations have only been sent to (the MEC) in the last two days and so we would not like to discuss these in the media until she and the department have had an opportunity to thoroughly engage therewith,” said Goosen.

However it has come to the Cape Times’ attention that the report reveals gaps in the diligence and care on the part of staff on duty.

Asked if the family was interviewed as part of the investigation, the PSC said they met the family, but “they weren’t able to provide us with any relevant information as they were grieving”.

“Although the interview had been arranged in advance, Ms Rafu passed away in the afternoon/evening before our meeting was set to take place.”

Health Department spokesperson Natalie Watlington said the assault incident was proved to be unfounded through a joint effort between PSC and the Eerste River Hospital team.

Watlington further said that the police have not confirmed any investigation.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said while they have received Rafu’s death certificate that she died in June due to natural causes, they would continue to probe the intent to do grievous bodily harm case.

Rafu’s sister, Nosisa Tandani, who was left thunderstruck by the outcome said they have more questions than ever.

“People who identified themselves as officials from PSC had visited my sister’s house and found my 22-year-old niece. She asked them to come back the next day when I’m there or other adults are present. They never left their phone numbers or came back until my sister passed away.

“ As the family we vehemently deny and reject these findings because we were never involved in their probe and given a chance to say our side. We demand to see footage that will show how she got injured,” she said.

Tandani vowed to get justice for her sister.

Cape Times

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