A patient committed suicide in his ward

Mluleki Mrwebi

12 January 2013

The Gauteng Police and the Gauteng health department are investigating an incident in which a patient allegedly started a fire in his room at Natalspruit Hospital in Katlehong and died. 

Provincial MEC for health Hope Papo said the man died from severe burn wounds after he allegedly set alight his linen and mattress in an apparent suicide attempt on Thursday.

MEC Spokesperson Simon Zwane said the investigation will establish the exact details of the accident.

Zwane adds that they also seek to understand why the patient decided to take his life and if there are any other measures to be put in place.