Healthcare workers’ unions in North West are calling on the provincial Department of Health to expand its investigations beyond the death of a long-term patient at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital, following another incident at Mafikeng Provincial Hospital where a psychiatric patient went missing.
The unions argue that these cases highlight deep-rooted systemic failures, including chronic understaffing, poor infrastructure, and patient safety concerns across the province’s healthcare facilities.
Families Demand Justice
The provincial health department appointed a nine-member task team to investigate the death of 40-year-old Quinton Du Plessis at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital after his family filed criminal cases. Investigations revealed that Du Plessis had suffered severe neglect and sexual assault before his death.
His grieving family shared harrowing details of his ordeal. “I pulled a blanket from Quinton and saw all the bruises,” a family member said. “I asked for a rape kit, which came back positive. I want justice—not just for Quinton, but for others before and after him.”
In Mafikeng, another family is demanding answers after their son disappeared from the psychiatric ward of Mafikeng Provincial Hospital. The family accused the hospital of negligence and attempting to cover up the incident.
Unions: Systemic Issues Ignored
Healthcare unions say these tragedies are symptoms of long-standing neglect. “We’ve raised issues of patient safety, poor conditions, and understaffing for years,” a union representative said. “Just weeks ago, a worker at Taung Hospital nearly lost his hand due to faulty equipment that had been reported multiple times.”
The unions argue that the department’s reactive approach—only responding after tragedies occur—must change. “There are infrastructure problems, staff shortages, and patient-on-patient assaults. These are systemic issues that need urgent attention,” the representative added.
Provincial Response
Health authorities maintain that the investigation team will address concerns, with a report expected by the end of July. The team’s mandate has been extended to 12 months, and officials say they may broaden the scope based on findings.
“We are reviewing the situation,” a department spokesperson said. “If needed, we will expand investigations to other facilities.”
As families mourn and workers demand accountability, pressure mounts on the provincial health department to take decisive action before more lives are lost.
