The Mpumalanga Department of Health is set to initiate disciplinary proceedings against three nurses working at Tonga Hospital after a female patient alleged, she was assaulted during her stay.
According to the department spokesperson, Dumisani Malamule, the incident unfolded on March 13, 2025, when the patient, who was admitted for complications related to diabetes and hypertension, requested a bedpan after experiencing discomfort caused by Lactulose, a medication for constipation.
Malamule said that the patient called for assistance but, as the nurses went to fetch the bedpan, she took it upon herself to crawl towards the toilet. Tragically, upon their return, the patient had already defecated on the floor.
It is at this juncture that the alleged mistreatment occurred. Malamule noted that one of the nurses involved claimed to have garnered assistance from porters to lift the patient back into bed due to her size.
However, the patient reported that one nurse used "harsh words" and mishandled her by gripping her neck while aiding her back to bed.
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"She indicated that the nurse did not beat her but mishandled her," Malamule elaborated.
“The professional nurse also agreed that the patient is correct regarding the handling of the back of the neck during the assistance.”
The allegations were substantiated to some extent through testimony from a fellow patient who was in the vicinity and confirmed hearing the confrontation.
Accordingly, the family of the alleged victim has been informed of the incident and the hospital has assured them that an investigation is underway.
In light of these disturbing claims, the three nurses on duty at the time have been called in to provide statements and offer a comprehensive explanation of their actions. Going forward, the department has unequivocally stated that the nurses will face a disciplinary hearing process.