No direct link between KZN doctors’ deaths and workplace bullying
Among the cases was that of Dr Tumelo Kgaladi (31), who died at his residence while off duty at Addington Hospital.
A joint investigation into the deaths of several healthcare professionals at public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal has found no direct link between the deaths and workplace bullying, victimisation or poor working conditions.
However, the probe uncovered serious systemic challenges across multiple facilities, including staff shortages, heavy workloads, inability to fill critical vacant posts and inadequate employee support.
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The investigation examined deaths reported at the Addington, Port Shepstone, Ngwelezane, Prince Mshiyeni hospitals, Vryheid District Hospital as well as Benedictine Hospital.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena said while the findings cleared healthcare facilities of direct responsibility, they highlighted deep-rooted issues affecting both workers and service delivery.
These issues require urgent attention because they affect healthcare workers and the quality of care provided to the public.
Among the cases was that of Dr Tumelo Kgaladi (31), who died at his residence while off duty at Addington Hospital.
The investigation found no link to workplace conditions, although it noted gaps in employee wellness support.
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At Port Shepstone Hospital, radiographer Mvelo Cele (40) died of cardiac arrest, with no evidence connecting his death to his work environment, despite ongoing staffing challenges at the facility.
Dr Siyabonga Zulu (20) from Ngwelezane Hospital died in a car accident while off duty, while medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi (25) died after falling ill at his residence at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.
Mokoena said claims that Mazwi had been forced to work while unwell were unfounded, although concerns were raised about pressure on interns not to take sick leave.
“He became critically ill one night while at his hospital doctors’ residence and was rushed to the hospital’s medical emergency room, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” said Mokena.
The investigations dentified concern culture among interns at the hopsital of fear to take sick leave believing that it will extend their internshsip rotations of place additional workburden on their collegues.
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The investigation also found that Nigerian doctor Francis Idika – previously believed to have died by suicide as a result of workplace bullying, victimisation and undue disciplinary actions – had died of natural causes.
Mokoena said the investigation did not support these allegations while identifying governmental failures in handling of complaints, disciplinary matters and workplace conflicts within the hospital.
He said these shortcomings require corrective action.
Meanwhile, community service doctor Dr S Ngidi, who died after ingesting poison, had been wrongly implicated in a fraud case due to weak hospital controls.
Mokoena said that although no direct causal link was established between workplace conditions and the deaths, it would be “remiss” to ignore the broader systemic problems raised during the investigation.
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He said healthcare workers have cited ongoing concerns, including burnout, resource shortages, inadequate mental health support and delays in filling critical posts.
Employee wellbeing is central to the functioning of the healthcare system. The system cannot care for the public if it fails to take care of its workers.
Some of the recommendations made by the Ombud include strengthening employee wellness programmes, improving staffing levels and addressing infrastructure and security challenges.
The findings will be referred to the Office of Health Standards Compliance for further action.
