Dora Mushwana, 79, who was an epileptic patient at the Maphutha-Malatji Hospital, was allegedly admitted for a heart problem.

Mushwana, from Lulekani Township, sustained serious body and facial injuries after she was burnt trying to bath.

Now her family has blamed the provincial department of health and social development for her death.

"The health department in the province is rotten to the core," the family's Assistance Mhlari said.

Mhlari said the family opened a case of negligence. They were weighing options on whether to sue the department.

The spokesperson for Mankweng police, Warrant Officer Malan Nchabeleng, confirmed that an inquest docket had been opened and an investigation instituted.