The incident occurred at about 00:40 on Sunday (4/10), when a male patient arrived at the clinic with his girlfriend seeking medical attention. He reportedly became agitated after complaining about the way his blood pressure was being taken and allegedly assaulted his girlfriend.

The woman fled and warned the nurse to run because the man would attack her. The patient then allegedly assaulted the nurse, knocking her to the ground and repeatedly kicking her in the head, North West health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said. Police were called, and a case of assault was opened.

The department has arranged psychosocial support for the nurse. North West health MEC Sello Lehari expressed concern that the incident follows several reported assaults, threats, and acts of intimidation involving healthcare workers and patients at Stad Clinic and other health facilities across the province.

Employees have reportedly raised concerns about previous incidents involving physical assaults, strangulation, threats with firearms, verbal abuse, attacks on patients, and alleged gangsterism around the clinic precinct. 

Lehari said reports that armed individuals had previously gained access to health facilities were particularly concerning.

“Healthcare facilities are places of healing and must never become arenas for violence, intimidation, criminality, or the settling of personal disputes,” Lehari said. He condemned the assault and warned that anyone who assaults, threatens, or intimidates healthcare workers should face the full consequences of the law.

Lekgethwane said Lehari was also concerned that the attack occurred against the backdrop of South Africa’s continuing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide. 

The alleged assault of the patient’s girlfriend, followed by the attack on a female healthcare worker, highlighted women’s vulnerability to violence in workplaces and public institutions, he added.

Lehari met employees, facility and district management, and representatives of organised labour to receive a detailed briefing and determine immediate interventions. He has directed that additional security be deployed at Stad Clinic immediately, while access-control measures are urgently reviewed and strengthened.

An investigation will also examine reported security breaches and why previous complaints were allegedly not adequately addressed. A security risk assessment of the clinic and surrounding area will be conducted, while appropriate action could follow if negligence or failures by a service provider or responsible officials are established.

Psychosocial support and counselling will be provided to the assaulted nurse and other affected employees. Measures will also be considered to limit further trauma to the nurse, including arrangements concerning the alleged assailant’s future access to the facility, subject to clinical and legal requirements.

Lehari also commended employees who have returned to work and continued treating patients despite the trauma and continuing security concerns.

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