Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
DELMAS MURDER: NO ESCAPE FROM WESKOPPIES HOSPITAL
The Gauteng Department of Health wishes to set the record straight in relation to a patient whom the police wish to question in relation to the recent Delmas murders.
The patient did not escape from the hospital, as stated in an article syndicated by the South African Press Association, and his records have not disappeared. The suggestion of negligence on the part of the hospital is therefore unjustified.
The patient was released on supervised leave many months ago, in accordance with procedures set down in the Mental Health Act. Rehabilitation of offenders who are referred to psychiatric institutions is a lengthy process and supervised leave is the stage which usually precedes final discharge.
The hospital is in possession of the patient's records. But we cannot release further details because of his right to confidential health care and because publication of details might hinder the police's efforts to locate the man. Hospital management has, however, assisted the police with full information.
Jo-Anne Collinge Director for Health Promotion & Communications