The department has made an undertaking to bury Elias Makololo, of GaRapitsi village in Moletji outside Polokwane, at its cost.

Makololo, 65, died on Wednesday last week after he was allegedly strangled by amentally-challenged patient who became aggressive while being admitted at the institution.

Departmental spokeswoman Sinenhlanhla Gumede confirmed yesterday that Makololo would be buried at their cost.

"As a caring department we have resolved to bury the patient who died," Gumede said.

She said they had taken the decision mindful of the fact the patient had died while in the care of the department.

The 34-year-old mentally challenged patient from Kgomo School village in GaMatlala had also chased nurses away, and one of them jumped through a window to get away.

It was at around midnight when the nurse, who had gone to seek help returned with a doctor and some of the hospital's staff to find the psychiatric patient throttling the pensioner. He also allegedly bit the victim several times on his stomach.

The pensioner died on the spot, apparently as a result of being strangled.

Gumede said this was the first time that the hospital had agreed to cover the costs of a patient's burial.

Gumede said the decision had been based on the needs of the family.

"MEC Norman Mabasa visited the family to assess the situation himself and he saw a need to assist with funeral costs. The gesture was only out of ubuntu," she said. - frankm@sowetan.co.za

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Thu Jun 20 11:58:42 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 3, 2012

MGEEZ

The family of the deceased needs to sue the state for this irresponsible behavioiur
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Aug 3, 2012

Mellow

I hope the burial costs arent all they are covering, family needs to stand firm and demand answers and sue they hell out the state
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Aug 3, 2012

Mamelodian

MGeez and Mellow, I totally agree with you. the psyhcological trauma experinced by the family is unimaginable.
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Aug 3, 2012

MakgwebelakaKokoYaManoti!

Hobang ha ho kopanywa bakudi ba kulang kellong le bakudi ba bang,re ya tseba ho re ke batho ba ka bang kotsi ho ba bang.
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Aug 3, 2012

Ayobas

The same story happened in Zeerust, North West Province but no action taken, this is fcuking bull-sh#t...
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Aug 3, 2012

Punkies

Hayi Limpopo is always in the news for bad things lately. Condolences to the family. If the deceased was a bread winner they should make sure the state continue to support his family-:)
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Aug 3, 2012

MakgwebelakaKokoYaManoti!

@Punkies

Hayi Limpopo is always in the news for bad things lately. Condolences to the family. If the deceased was a bread winner they should make sure the state continue to support his family-:)
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U right Punkies.

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Aug 3, 2012

Babedollz

Ayobas
The same story happened in Zeerust, North West Province but no action taken, this is fcuking bull-sh#t...
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Yah true n ke gae koo, sumthing must be done ka nnete.
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Aug 3, 2012

obonolo

kuvukiland yah ne!
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Aug 3, 2012

Bhali

The family must still continue with the law suite.
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