Family desperate to find loved one who went missing from Tambo Memorial Hospital

The family of Basetsana Rauwane (25) is desperately searching for her after she went missing from the Tambo Memorial Hospital on the evening of November 7.

According to a close family member, who wished to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, Basetsana allegedly escaped through the hospital’s back entrance and jumped over the perimeter fence at about 23:30. She was reportedly wearing a hospital gown at the time.

Her family has not seen her since the night she disappeared.

They have, however, received reports of people seeing her walking around Boksburg, still wearing hospital clothing.

These sightings have not been provided to the family with a confirmed location or clear information about where she went afterwards.

Basetsana was taken to Tambo Memorial Hospital following what her family described as a serious mental health crisis.

“Recognising the seriousness of her condition, we arranged for her to receive professional medical assistance with the help of the police.

“Before her arrival, we explicitly warned the hospital about her mental state and emphasised the need for close supervision.

“Unfortunately, we feel the hospital did not take our warnings seriously and failed to implement the necessary precautions, ” said the family member.

Basetsana’s disappearance has taken an emotional toll on her family, which has distributed flyers across Boksburg.

“We are devastated, emotionally exhausted and deeply distressed. Her mother has not been coping well since the incident.

“We are struggling with the uncertainty of not knowing whether she is safe, has access to food and shelter, or is receiving the medical attention she needs.

“A private investigator is helping us to try to locate her safely.

“Our priority remains finding Basetsana, bringing her home safely and ensuring that she receives the appropriate medical and psychological support.”

Her family described her as a loving, kind-hearted and ambitious young woman.

“Basetsana is a woman with dreams and aspirations who values personal growth and wants to build a meaningful future for herself.

“As a daughter, sister and family member, she is humble, caring and deeply loving. The person we know is someone who brings warmth, happiness and positive energy into the lives of those around her,” the family member added.

The Boksburg police are investigating the matter and urged anybody with information to contact 076 538 9853 or 010 497 9909

Gauteng Department of Health responds

According to Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona, the department has noted an incident that occurred on November 7 at Tambo Memorial Hospital, which involved a patient who was medically attended to at the Accident and Emergency Department.

“Following an initial assessment, the patient was examined and admitted by the attending doctor at about 23:31.

Mabona said that while awaiting bed allocation, the patient requested permission to go outside for a leg stretch.

“Within about 15 minutes, nursing staff noted that the patient had not returned to the department. Subsequently, security personnel were immediately alerted, and an urgent search was initiated. CCTV footage was reviewed as part of the investigation. It showed the patient exiting the Accident and Emergency Department through the emergency exit, proceeding towards the rear of the hospital and subsequently climbing over the perimeter fence.”

The spokesperson said SAPS was promptly notified of the incident.

“Hospital staff and security personnel conducted an extensive search beyond the hospital premises, extending to the surrounding Ramaphosa and Benoni areas, in an effort to locate the patient.”

Security measures at the hospital

According to Mabona, the hospital has several security measures in place to safeguard patients, visitors and staff.

“These include the deployment of 24 security officers at night, CCTV surveillance, routine security patrols and perimeter lighting to enhance visibility and monitoring of the hospital premises.

“When a person is reported missing or a security-related incident occurs, the hospital’s security personnel are immediately alerted, and the necessary search and escalation procedures are activated. Where necessary, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is contacted to assist with further investigation.”

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