Healthcare worker convinced Somerset Hospital shooter to hand over gun

Western Cape police are trying to ascertain the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident at Somerset Hospital on Saturday evening, leaving three dead.

In a statement, the Western Cape Government said that a patient that was ready to be discharge obtained a firearm during an altercation with the police officer who was guarding another patient.

‘’Circumstances are unknown currently on how he managed to obtain a firearm but are currently being investigated,’’ read the statement.

It’s understood the suspect handed over his weapon, after a healthcare worker heroically convinced the perpetrator to do so.

‘’Following the altercation and the shooting, a healthcare worker (who has asked not to be named) went into the ward and spoke directly to the perpetrator. She calmed the shooter down and convinced him to hand over the firearm. Despite the personal risk to her, she stood up to help those around her. This heroism possibly saved many more lives.’’

Premier Alan Winde, Health and Wellness MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC, Reagan Allen, visited the hospital.

Winde said he’s shocked and saddened by the incident.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of three residents during this horrific incident.  My deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this senseless act.  I also want to join the Department in praising our healthcare workers who under the most trying time continued to serve the people of our province. We expect a full investigation into this matter, so that we can understand exactly what happened. This can never be allowed to happen again.”

Health and Wellness MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, conveyed her sympathy to the families affected by this incident.

‘’Dr Nomafrench Mbombo conveyed her sympathy to the families of the victims affected by “this tragic senseless incident and wish to applaud the healthcare staff of the New Somerset Hospital for their professional and effective management of the incident going beyond their call of duty,” read the statement.

Western Cape’s Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC, Reagen Allen condemned the incident

“I condemn last night’s shooting of the SAPS officer and two other persons that occurred in the New Somerset Hospital, in the strongest possible terms. The disregard for life is deplorable. It is gut wrenching that an officer should lose his life in this manner. We regard an attack on the police, as a direct attack on us all, and this cannot become the norm.”

“I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and all loved ones, including the men and women in blue who has been affected by this hideous crime. I’ve already engaged the Provincial Commissioner and I hope to visit the family to personally convey my condolences. It’s awful and heart-breaking,” he added.

The staff and patients in the ward, as well as the family of the patients who lost their lives, are receiving counselling.

 

Done By: Mitchum George