New Road Construction Promises Economic Boost for Zoeknog Community
August 22, 2024Operation Basadi Results in Arrest and Seizure of Altered Firearm in Ehlanzeni
August 26, 2024The family of 57-year-old Lazarus Mathabele, whose body was discovered outside Matikwane Hospital in Mkhuhlu, near Hazyview, is suing the Mpumalanga Department of Health for R40 million. The lawsuit alleges negligence in ensuring the safety of Mathabele, who was found deceased on July 24 after being admitted to the hospital for severe respiratory issues.
Grace Mathabele, the daughter of the deceased, expressed her family’s distress, stating that despite it being a month since their father’s death, closure remains elusive. “We took him to the hospital because he was struggling to breathe, and he had been there many days before the incident occurred. He was critically ill and needed assistance even for basic needs, making it implausible for him to just sneak out unnoticed,” she explained.
The family received a call from the hospital around 04:00 AM informing them that Mathabele had gone missing. It was only after a few hours of searching, prompted by local community members, that his body was found in the street, clad only in underwear, with his cellphone lying next to him.
Questioning the security measures and the layout of the hospital premises, the Mathabele family strongly believes that Lazarus’s physical and mental condition would have made it unlikely for him to wander off on his own. They argue that the hospital’s management failed to provide the necessary oversight and care.
Legal action has been initiated by the family’s attorney, Adv July Sibuyi, who has already sent a letter of demand to the Department of Health. “Yes, it is true that we are suing MEC Sasekani Manzini and the hospital for R40m due to the negligence that has cost the family a breadwinner,” Grace confirmed.
Dumisani Malamule, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, stated that he could not provide comments on the ongoing legal proceedings as the matter is currently sub judice.