Woman found hanged in hospital

2008-01-30 12:44

Sydney Masinga

Giyani - Both the police and health department are investigating the death of a 50-year-old woman who was found hanged in a shower stall at Malamulele hospital near Giyani.

The woman was found hanged with a scarf on Saturday and is believed to have committed suicide.

"The patient had been admitted with pulmonary tuberculosis and ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen) and was put on a TB treatment," said Limpopo health spokesperon Phuti Seloba on Wednesday.

Malamulele police spokesperson Inspector Alson Mapindane said an inquest docket had been opened.

'Committed suicide'

"So far, all the signs show that the patient might have committed suicide," said Mapindane on Wednesday.

The woman's name has not been released yet as her family has not been informed of her death yet.

Meanwhile, investigations have not been finalised into the death of a woman who was found dead in a toilet cubicle after going to Lebowakgomo hospital for treatment for diarrhoea on December 30 last year.

Lebowakgomo police spokesperson Inspector Manong Tshehla said 28-year-old Mahlatse Mashabela had been discharged after treatment, but decided to sleep in the reception area as it was too late to get transport home.

Her mother was with her and told police that her daughter borrowed her apron and then went to the toilet but didn't return.

When mother went to investigate, she found her daughter unconscious in the toilet cubicle with the apron around her neck.

By the time a doctor and nurse attended to her, she was dead.

"We are working closely with the department in that case and we will release our findings when the time is right," said Tshehla.

- African Eye