KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and the KZN Health Head of Department Dr Sibongile Zungu have sent their deepest condolences to the family of a 40 year old staff nurse who was murdered last night, while leaving the premises of KwaDabeka Community Health Centre (CHC), where she worked.

It is alleged that the nurse was driving out of the CHC’s premises in her car when she was shot four times, with three rounds entering through the windscreen, while the fourth was fired through the driver’s door. The nurse unfortunately passed away on scene. It is alleged that the assailant had been hiding himself outside the premises next to the hospital entrance, although security personnel allegedly said they did not see him. Police arrived on the scene and an inquest docket was later opened.

In a joint statement, Dr Dhlomo and Dr Zungu said: “We are shocked and saddened by this callous and inhumane act. What is even worse is that it has come at a time when we’re engaged with creating a better environment for women, through the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. This loss affects us greatly, as we are determined to ensure that every corner of the country has a qualified health worker, providing the best care possible. Even though this incident happened outside the premises of the institution, the nurse died in her uniform, after serving the community. We therefore offer our deepest condolences to the her family and friends and hope that the perpetrator(s) will be apprehended and subjected to the full might of the law.”

Dr Dhlomo is currently on his way to the CHC, where he will counsel the late nurse’s former colleagues, as well as establish where she stayed in order to visit her family.

 

Issued by KZN Department of Health