OFM News investigated a tip-off that the body of a patient was discovered in the basement of the Pelonomi Hospital after it was flooded. Early indications are that the patient drowned and the police were called. 

The spokesperson of the Free State Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, responded to detailed questions, saying the water level in the basement of the hospital was only at the level of a shoe sole. He confirmed the discovery of the patient. 

Mvambi said a hospital staff member noticed the male patient was missing and reported it. He said his body was identifiable and his family was notified. He further said an autopsy was conducted and the cause of death was not drowning. An internal investigation has since been launched. 

He added that the family did not lodge a complaint and the department has met with the family several times. 

Mvambi said the problem with the basement was resolved. Although there are two lifts that go to the basement, one was locked and the other was deactivated by the accredited lift company. 

Pelonomi Hospital has been making headlines over several years after a Public Service Commission Report found a backlog in maintenance of the building and medical equipment, as well as a shortage of staff. 

The outcome of the internal investigation and the police investigation is unknown as the investigation is still ongoing.

OFM News