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
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