A mental health patient admitted to Philadeliphia Hospital in Dennilton in Limpopo has been handed over to the police after he allegedly killed a patient he shared a ward with.

DEADLY ARGUMENT

Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego explained that they received reports alleging that the accused and the deceased were involved in an altercation in the early hours of Saturday morning, which led to the death. "Police are still investigating; we have managed to remove all the other patients who were in the ward to other wards. The police took him into custody because he was discharged. He is no longer a patient in this hospital; it's a matter for the police," MEC Mashego said.

POLICE CONFIRMATION

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, at approximately 2 am, inside the psychiatric ward at the hospital. "Police officers, who were on patrol at the time, swiftly responded to a report of an assault at the hospital. Upon arrival, they discovered a gruesome crime scene inside a locked room. A male suspect was found on top of a lifeless male body, covered in blood, and allegedly biting the deceased's genitals. The deceased (33) sustained a gunshot wound on the head, along with multiple injuries, including missing teeth." Mashaba said the suspect also suffered gunshot wounds on both legs, allegedly inflicted by a security officer who was attempting to diffuse the situation. "He was immediately placed under a police guard and receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Additionally, a security guard sustained a gunshot wound on the thigh, reportedly caused by a ricochet bullet fired by his colleague during the incident. Several spent cartridges were recovered at the scene. The suspect has been formally arrested for murder. 

GRUESOME

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the incident was disturbing and gruesome. "The safety of both patients and healthcare workers remains a priority, and we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. We commend the police officers for their swift response."