Hospital killings shock Manto
2007-10-20 17:41
Durban - Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has expressed shock at the brazen and cold blooded murder of four senior staffers from a Limpopo hospital on Friday by an apparently disgruntled employee.
Tshabalala-Msimang was addressing traditional healers at the launch of a project aimed at boosting traditional medicines in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
"I'm shocked by the incident that happened at the hospital but would like to appeal to all our hospital managers not to be discouraged from taking appropriate action against employees charged with misconduct," she said.
The dismissed driver from the Seshego Hospital shot and killed the chief executive officer, the human resource manager, administration officer and an administration worker.
Police said the man had come to collect his dismissal letter which was issued after a disciplinary inquiry found him guilty of a hit-and-run driving offence. He was escorted by a security guard into the building.
Superintendent Motlafela Mojapelo said while the two were inside the building the driver overpowered the guard and disarmed him, taking his handgun.
"He shot the chief executive officer dead behind her desk," said Mojapelo.
The man had been arrested on four counts of murder and was detained at the Seshego police station shortly after he was caught at the gate of the hospital on Friday.
Tshabalala-Msimang sent her condolences to the bereaved families and applauded the police for their speedy response.
- SAPA