Two hospital security guards who allegedly assaulted a 13-year-old boy in his bed at Ladysmith Hospital last week and were caught on camera, have been fired.

In addition, the KZN Department of Health has launched an urgent investigation into the incident, a video of which was shared on social media.

Warning: The video may upset sensitive viewers.

Can we RT until Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane sees this, security guards are seen beating up a patient.

It is alleged that this happens in Ladysmith Provincial Hospital.

Where are the nurses and OM of the ward? The patient repeatedly says Ngiyaxolisa but they continue beating… pic.twitter.com/NxR2u8fBoy

— Azania (@azania1023) September 30, 2023

The two guards, employed by a company contracted to supply security to the hospital, have been dismissed, the department confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

The department has launched a disciplinary process against a nursing staff member who has been implicated in the incident.

The patient, who suffers from a disability and was a resident of a place of shelter before admission to Ladysmith Hospital, has been moved to another healthcare facility in Durban, the department confirmed.

Departmental spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said the department is appalled by the incident.

“As a department, we are shocked and appalled by this incident. MEC Nomagugu Simelane has made it clear that the safety and well-being of our patients are our priority, and that their abuse under any circumstances, and in any way, shape or form, will not be accepted.

“We can confirm that the matter has been reported to the police, and to the Department of Social Development. We can also confirm that a disciplinary process is underway in this matter. This process will look into, among others, where the nurses were when the incident took place, who called the security guards, and why the patient was assaulted,” said Maphisa.