Frank Maponya
Frank Maponya
A mental patient has been missing from Tshilidzini Hospital in Thohoyandou for almost two weeks now.
The 65-year-old woman disappeared mysteriously from the hospital premises on November 16.
She was identified as Elisa Thonga, who came from Maungani village.
Her disappearance brings into question the issue of security in health institutions.
Only last month, four senior staffers were allegedly shot dead at Seshego Hospital, near Polokwane, by a former employee Samuel Tsamago. This was after a disciplinary hearing where Tsamago was served with a dismissal letter.
Spokesman for the provincial department of health Phuti Seloba, said Thonga's disappearance would be investigated thoroughly to ensure that security at the hospital was up to the scratch.
"It is disturbing to learn of a psychiatric patient who disappeared while under our care.
"We have opened a case with the police and hope they find Thonga alive," he said.