By OBAKENG MAJE
It’s been almost a year since South Africa woke up to the shocking news, where newly-born babies were placed in cardboard boxes, instead of incubators at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in North West. The video depicting newly-born babies in boxes, was circulated across all social media platforms and that caused an outcry.
This resulted in the North West Department of Health, placing five officials on a precautionary transfer.
Now, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said, the investigation into the matter has been completed and it has made adverse findings against some of officials, who were implicated.
“The preliminary investigation was conducted and concluded. The recommendation of the investigation report was that five employees from the hospital be placed on precautionary transfer, which established prima-facie evidence requiring full investigation.
“The department conducted a full investigation, which was finalised. Some officials were exonerated and it should be noted that the report made adverse findings against others,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said recommendations for disciplinary actions were approved and were implemented. He added that four officials are currently facing disciplinary actions, as a result of their acts of misconduct identified in the investigation reports.
“The disciplinary matters are part-heard before different presiding officers. The dates for the disciplinary hearing will be on 24-25 April 2024 and 29-30 April 2024. On our records, we are not aware of the litigation in this matter,” he said.
The Guardian 