A patient from Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom has died after allegedly absconding from the facility and later being struck by a motor vehicle on Wednesday morning, August 26.

The North West Department of Health confirmed the death, saying the patient was a well-known patient who had been admitted to Witrand since June 22, 2023, and was receiving care in Female Ward 3.

According to hospital management, staff noticed during the early morning bathing routine that the patient was no longer in the ward.

Personnel immediately searched various blocks on the hospital premises and alerted security after they could not locate her.

A search was launched in and around the hospital and continued until management was informed that a person matching the description of the missing patient had been found lying along Promosa Road, next to the graveyard.

Upon arrival, it was confirmed that the person was the missing patient. Her family was immediately informed of her death.

Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

Ikageng police confirmed that woman was struck by a motor vehicle on the road between Promosa and Dassierand on Wednesday morning.

“The circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation,” said Sergeant Kelebogile Morake.

Morake confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been opened, with police continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The identity of the deceased was still to be formally confirmed by police and her next of kin were initially yet to be notified.

North West Health MEC Sello Lehari expressed his condolences to the family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“On behalf of the North West Department of Health, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely difficult time,” said Lehari.

“We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and assure them that the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated.”

Lehari urged members of the public and other stakeholders not to speculate while the investigation is under way.

“The Department takes the safety, dignity and wellbeing of patients in our care very seriously. We will carefully examine what happened, identify any shortcomings that may emerge, and take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation,” he said.

The Department has initiated an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the patient’s abscondment and subsequent death.

Further information will be communicated once the investigation has progressed sufficiently and it is appropriate to do so.