Probe under way at Dr George Mukhari Hospital to fathom fire that killed patient
On Tuesday, Lerato Mohlamme, a woman psychiatric patient, died when a fire broke out, rendering part of the psych ward inaccessible.
Picture: Facebook/Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital
JOHANNESBURG - Newly appointed Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital CEO Dr Fhatuwani Mbara says the facility is working around the clock to probe a fire that killed a patient.
On Tuesday, Lerato Mohlamme, a woman psychiatric patient died when a fire broke out, rendering part of the psych ward inaccessible.
The Gauteng Department of Health said at the time of the incident, 17 other patients were successfully evacuated and temporarily relocated to a different wing as a precautionary measure.
With a police probe under way, the burnt section of the George Mukhari hospital’s psychiatric unit has been demarcated as a possible crime scene.
Despite attempts to assess the state of the wing, Mbara was prevented from entering as police conducted their investigation alongside officials from the City of Tshwane’s emergency services.
Mbara said the hospital would avail all its resources to assist police with their investigation.
“At this stage, we are unable to say what caused the fire and all other things because those are matters that are under investigation.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the medical facility’s management met with the family of the deceased to provide an update and a possible way forward.