By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Mpumalanga Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a female medical doctor employed at Rob Ferreira Tertiary Hospital.
Pic: MEC Manzini mourns the death of Rob Ferreira Hospital medical doctor
The doctor was reportedly shot dead in early hours of Wednesday 20 November, outside Virgin Active(Fitness Centre/Gym) at the Grove Shopping Complex, in Mbombela, by unknown gunmen.
MEC Manzini lamented the unfortunate incident, furthermore stating that an attack and murder of health workers is a serious concern.
“ The family and the people of the province have been robbed again of a young and talented doctor in the hands of criminals. The family have lost a daughter, the nation lost a healthcare worker, and the children lost a mother who was dedicated to save the lives of others.
“ It was unfortunate and disturbing that the province continued experiencing such atrocities perpetrated against innocent and defenceless people, in particular women,” said Manzini.
The MEC detailed the illustrious journey that the deceased doctor has travelled in the field of medicine. According to Manzini, the doctor started studying medicine in Cuba as part of the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Collaboration in 2012, returned to South Africa in July 2018, went on to complete her studies in December 2019 at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.
She reportedly worked in Themba Hospital as a medical Intern in 2020, and performed Community service duties at Mapulaneng Hospital in 2022. Upon her passing, she was employed as a Medical Officer attached to the Oncology Unit at Rob Ferreira Tertiary Hospital.
“ On behalf of the Department I would like to convey my heartfelt and most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. We urge people to desist from engaging in violent conduct in the name of addressing whatever disagreement they might have.
“ We call on all law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Manzini concluded.
