The family of mental health user Klaas Ledwaba, who was tragically killed in the psychiatric ward at Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Limpopo, is still waiting for an official cause of death a month after the incident. The 33-year-old was shot and killed by another patient during an attack, but the family is yet to receive the post-mortem results. Feeling distraught and seeking closure, they have sought legal assistance to push the Limpopo Department of Health for answers.
“It has been incredibly hard for the family, particularly Klaas’ mother and siblings, to cope with the loss. Since his death on March 8, the provincial health department has not provided any information regarding the cause of his passing,” shared family spokesperson Seun Mogotji with Health-e News.
The lack of transparency and accountability has left the family and the community in Uitvlug village and Ga-Botha area distressed and in need of closure. The family is eagerly awaiting answers from Philadelphia Hospital and the police regarding the gunshot wound Klaas sustained on the fourth day of his hospital admission.
Neil Shikwambana, spokesperson for Limpopo health, admitted that the internal investigation is still ongoing, and the Ledwaba family is yet to receive an official report. He mentioned that the police investigation is also in progress, with the post-mortem results still pending.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, spokesperson for Limpopo police, shared that the suspect appeared in court on March 10 and is currently undergoing mental observation at Thabamoopo Hospital in Lebowakgomo. The suspect will have another court appearance on April 22. The police are actively investigating the incident that led to Klaas’ untimely death.
Previous police reports detailed a gruesome scene inside the hospital room where the attack took place. The suspect was found on top of Klaas’ lifeless body, reportedly inflicting serious injuries. The deceased had a gunshot wound to the head and multiple injuries, including missing teeth. The suspect also sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, allegedly from a security officer attempting to intervene. A security officer was also injured during the incident.
As the investigation continues, the community and Klaas’ family remain hopeful for clarity and justice. The tragic event has left a lasting impact on all those involved, and the search for answers continues.
