The MEC for Health in the Eastern Cape, Ntandokazi Capa, has learned with shock about the freak accident at the Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha on Wednesday, which claimed the life of a 38-year-old female security guard.
Police Spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the woman was opening a gate at the hospital in the early hours of the morning when it came off its tracks and fell on her.
She said co-workers rushed to her assistance and took her to the emergency room, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Spokesperson for the MEC, Sizwe Kupelo, says the victim was working for a private security company providing security services at the hospital.
He said she sustained head injuries and all resuscitation attempts failed.
MEC Capa has ordered an investigation to be launched to ascertain the circumstances that led to the freak accident, while at the same time expressing her condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of the deceased.
“The safety of the hospital community, including our patients and workers, is always a priority, so it is always sad when we lose someone in such a tragic manner,” she said.
Police and the Department of Labour have also been alerted to the incident.
The guard has since been identified as Nomthunzi Gwebani.
