The staff at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial hospital woke up to a stench of a decomposing body of a young woman who was discovered at a hall of the hospital causing the MEC to pay a personal visit to the hospital.
On arrival, the MEC received reports from the hospital management, security personnel as well as staff at the government mortuary in Gale Street (now Magwaza Maphalala).
The young woman, who has not been identified, had been at the hall's lavatories for no less than three days, covered with a sleeping blanket. She is believed to be in her early twenties and it is not clear how she ended up at this hall.
According the hospital no staff member or student nurse has been reported missing. The MEC, after inspecting the hall, said:
"It is unfortunate and regrettable that this incident happened on hospital premises. At this stage it is not clear what really happened but it is clear that there are areas where we need to strengthen such as patrolling throughout the premises.
"The district manager and the acting chief executive officer would work with the police to identify the body as soon as possible".
Members of the public who may want to identify the body are asked to call 031 305 4472/88 or visit the department's Gale Street mortuary between 07h30 and 15h30.
Contact:
Maxon Chris
Cell: 083 285 0567
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
18 May 2010
