A mentally challenged man, Sebusiso Selume (21) appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of murder after he allegedly strangled a fellow patient, Lehlokwa Sekwati (38) at Mankweng Hospital’s psychiatric ward on Saturday.
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident as well as that a case of murder was opened and the suspect arrested. He said a fight allegedly ensued between the two patients and Sekwati was reportedly strangled to death. The Police were called to the scene where they found a lifeless body of the deceased in the ward, Mojapelo explained. According to him, Selume appeared before court on Monday and the case was reminded to 23 January next year. Mojapelo concluded by saying Selume was taken to a mental hospital.
The Department of Health spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana highlighted in a statement that they were saddened by the incident in which a mental healthcare user killed a fellow patient in the psychiatric ward of the Mankweng Hospital. It is alleged that the patient had assaulted and killed a fellow patient. He further stated that the department was investigating the circumstances of the incident.
He added that Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba has on behalf of the department sent condolences to the family of the deceased. Shikwambana concluded by saying a team consisting of psychologists was debriefing the family.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
