Health professionals down tools after shooting
It is not only pregnant woman who has to endure the long hours in the sun
Pregnant women lined up at Witbank Hospital earlier this week only to turn around disappointed.
Services at the referral hospital were suspended on Monday November 18 and Tuesday November 19 after a fatal shooting in the hospital over the weekend.
Brig Leonard Hlathi, provincial police spokesperson said the 30-year-old Mr Selvino Zumbha was shot in the corridors of the hospital on November 16.
Zumbha was admitted on Wednesday, November 13 at around 21:53 with gun shot wounds in his upper body.
It is believed he was shot at his home in Kwa-Guqa.
“Investigations led us to believe that the victim had recognised the suspect and a scuffle ensued between them to a point where they reached the corridors of the ward. The suspect allegedly drew a pistol and shot Zumbha several times, then left the hospital,” Brig Hlathi said.
No one can explain how the man got through security with the gun, shot Zumbha and left the hospital without being stopped.
Health professionals downed tools this week demanding that security is beefed up.
Under the scorching heat of the sun the high-risk pregnant women stood for hours in hope to see a doctor.
Ms Charlotte Ndzuzo is nine months pregnant and she is due to have her baby.
“Where do I go to now? I am about to deliver my baby and entry to the hospital is denied. I do not know where to go to or what to do. Maybe I should just wait it out,” she said.
Another soon-to-be mommy is the nine month pregnant Ms Mabel Sibanyoni.
She too stood in the queue praying that the gates to the hospital opens soon.
“I wonder if anyone will take note if I have my baby here on the pavement,” she asked.
Ms Bernadene Brits and Ms Lorraine Liebenberg van Rensburg are both eight months pregnant.
They exchange worried looks and decided to also wait it out.
Van Rensburg needs high blood pressure tablets and she came in especially to book her bed.
“I have to get high blood pressure tablets. It is not good for my baby and very dangerous at this stage if my blood pressure shoots up. Whereto now?” she asked.
It is not only pregnant woman who has to endure the long hours in the sun.
Because Witbank Hospital is a referral hospital patients from all over flock to the hospital with referral letters in hand.
A man who wishes to stay anonymous said he had to get up and leave early to be in time to see the doctor.
He is from Roossenekal, the little town situated between Groblersdal and Lydenburg.
Very frustrated tears ran down his cheek and he said it was all for nothing.
By the time going to print the Department of Health and Mofoko Security failed to respond to the media enquiry.
Family seeks answers after fatal shooting at hospital
Only skeleton staff at Witbank Hospital
[UPDATE] Services at Witbank Hospital have been suspended
Police are looking for suspect who shot man in hospital
