In a deeply troubling incident, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has taken swift action by reportedly terminating the employment of two security guards who were captured on video allegedly assaulting a disabled 13-year-old boy in Ladysmith Hospital. The incident, which transpired on Thursday evening, has sparked outrage after the video circulated on social media platforms.
The Victim’s Background
The young boy featured in the distressing video is a 13-year-old with a disability. He had been residing in a shelter before being admitted to Ladysmith Hospital. Following the incident, the boy has been relocated to another healthcare facility in Durban.
The Disturbing Video
The video footage in question paints a distressing picture. The child can be seen crying while one of the security guards repeatedly strikes him, with the other guard also becoming involved in the assault. Shockingly, the video reveals that no nurses or medical staff were observed attending to the boy or attempting to intervene to halt the actions of the security guards.
Reactions and Concerns
Francois Rodgers, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal, raised questions about the presence of security guards within hospital wards. This incident has not only raised concerns about the behavior of these security personnel but also about the protocols and supervision in healthcare institutions.
Investigation Underway
The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department has initiated an internal investigation into the incident. Additionally, the outsourcing company responsible for employing the security guards acted promptly in dismissing them following the allegations.
This deeply distressing incident has prompted outrage and calls for accountability. The termination of the security guards’ employment is a swift response, but it raises larger questions about the role and behavior of security personnel within healthcare settings. The ongoing internal investigation will hopefully shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure that steps are taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining the safety and dignity of all patients, especially the most vulnerable among us.
