The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that a fire incident occurred at the female psychiatry ward of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital yesterday.

Rosebank Killarney Gazette reports that according to the department: “A mental health patient set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged. Fortunately, there are no injuries sustained as a result of this incident.”

The department added that security personnel responded promptly and effectively to assist in extinguishing the fire.

The City of Johannesburg fire department also arrived to address the situation and worked on clearing the smoke from the affected area.

As a precautionary measure, patients were moved from the ward to allow for a thorough investigation to take place. Police were on-site to assist with this process.

Hospital management and staff have taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients in the ward.

DA calls for stronger fire safety measures

Gauteng’s DA shadow MEC for health, Jack Bloom, said he visited the hospital after reports about the fire and saw the burnt bed,. He said police were investigating.

“It is concerning that this hospital is still not fully compliant with fire prevention measures following the terrible fire that occurred more than four years ago. It is estimated this will cost R1.7m, but there is no budget for it.”

Bloom concluded that the DA would continue to press for adequate fire prevention and suppression in all public hospitals.

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