Damning allegations against KZN hospital security officers emerge

Security officers at the RK Khan Hospital have come under fire after damning allegations of physical abuse and racism against visitors recently came to the fore, reports Rising Sun Chatsworth.

A well-known Silverglen businessman and his family, who were visiting a relative at the hospital, claim they were allegedly brutally assaulted on the hospital premises on Sunday, 23 September.

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Speaking to journalists, the businessman, who did not wish to be named for fear of his family’s safety, said, “After my mother-in-law was rushed to hospital, my wife and I, together with other family members, went to hospital. While in the hospital premises, two security guards started making racist comments against us. When we told them we understood what they were saying, the guards pushed my brother-in-law from the back and started assaulting us.”

According to medical reports, the businessman sustained two broken ribs.

“After a short while, about 10 guards with batons started assaulting us and one of them grabbed my wife by her throat. We were all dragged out of the casualty entrance. We demand justice. The guards have a responsibility, which they failed to do,” added the irate resident.

Private investigator Vis Munien, who is investigating the matter, said he was highly concerned about the seriousness of this assault.

“What is disturbing is that the complainants were unarmed and defenceless when this offence allegedly occurred,” said Munien.

He added: “A security company has the duty to arrest and hand over suspects to police, not to take the law into their own hands.”

Cluster communications officer of the eThekwini Inner South Cpt Cheryl Pillay said: “It is alleged that on September 23, at about 11pm, two people were allegedly assaulted by security guards at a local hospital.”

Chatsworth SAPS is investigating a case of common assault. At this stage, no arrests have been made and investigations are continuing.

PRO of the hospital Mbali Mthalane said: “No complaints were raised at the hospital pertaining to this incident. The complainant is advised to contact the hospital PRO in order for this matter to be dealt with accordingly.”

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