The investigation follows the death of 40-year-old Quinton du Plessis, a long-term patient at the Potchefstroom-based psychiatric hospital, who died on 12 June last year. His family has continued to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Reports indicated that police investigations found he had allegedly been sexually assaulted and severely neglected.

His sister, Colette du Plessis, has previously raised concerns about the care her brother received at the facility, alleging that he suffered severe injuries, including unexplained bruising, an untreated facial wound, and other injuries shortly before his death.

“I personally feel it’s Witrand’s fault that Quinton died,” she said.

Quinton had reportedly defied doctors’ predictions that he would not survive beyond the age of seven. He went on to live until the age of 40, before his death left his family demanding answers about what happened while he was under the care of the specialised hospital.

Following the allegations, the North West department of health appointed a nine-member investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding the death.

Health MEC Sello Lehari is expected to brief the media on the outcomes of the internal investigation and the findings of the team. The briefing will take place at Mmabatho College of Nursing in Mmabatho at 10:00.

North West health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said the investigation also considered allegations of sexual assault, although the matter remains subject to a police investigation.

“The report will address the matter insofar as the department and the investigation team have gone to the extent of examining the issue of alleged sexual harassment. At this stage, however, it remains an allegation until the report and its findings are finalised.” 

Doctors and nurses who examined Du Plessis were also interrogated as part of the investigation.

The case has raised serious questions about the safety, monitoring, and oversight of vulnerable patients receiving long-term institutional care.

Leahari’s briefing is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Du Plessis’ death, the findings of the internal investigation, and whether any shortcomings or failures in patient care were identified.

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