A distraught Kimberley mother has accused the Kimberley Mental Hospital of negligence after her 22-year-old daughter, Karabo, was discharged without her family’s knowledge—and has since gone missing.
The 52-year-old mother, who asked not to be named, last saw her daughter in June when she was admitted to the facility. She claims the hospital failed to notify her of Karabo’s discharge, leaving the vulnerable young woman to vanish without a trace.
A Mother’s Desperate Search
Karabo, diagnosed with mental illness in 2021, has a history of institutional care, and her mother says she was always informed prior to previous discharges. This time, however, there was no communication from hospital staff—no calls from psychologists, social workers, or nurses.
“I don’t know where my daughter is,” the mother said, her voice trembling. “She was only wearing pajamas and a gown. She has no ID, no proper clothing, and she’s asthmatic. How will she survive in this cold?”
Before her admission, Karabo had stopped taking her medication and had become aggressive. Her mother now fears for her safety, wondering how she is coping without medical supervision.
“I did not get any communication from the hospital… No one contacted me,” she said. “The hospital must bring back my daughter. If they won’t talk to me, they must at least inform the police.”
Experts Condemn Hospital’s Actions
Mental health professionals have criticized the hospital’s handling of the case, stating that ethical protocols were violated.
“They should not have discharged her without contacting the family,” said one expert. “If the parents couldn’t be reached, they should have kept her longer. The key principles in mental health care are to do no harm, act in the patient’s best interest, and overcommunicate—not undercommunicate.”
Investigation Launched
The Provincial Department of Health has confirmed an internal investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Gabo’s mother has opened a missing person’s case with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“I pray my child is found alive and unharmed,” she said, her desperation palpable.
As the search continues, the case has raised serious questions about patient discharge protocols in mental health facilities—and the devastating consequences when they fail.
Anyone with information on Karabo’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities.
