The Northern Cape Department of Health has pledged full cooperation with police following the death of a 22-year-old woman who fell from the fifth-floor balcony of Robert Mangaliso Hospital in Kimberley.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the incident was a suicide or if foul play was involved. Police have since opened an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Provincial Health spokesperson Lebohang Majaha expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, confirming that clinical staff who were on duty at the time will receive counseling.
"As the Northern Cape Department of Health, we are saddened to learn of the tragic incident involving a 22-year-old woman who succumbed to injuries sustained after falling from the fifth-floor balcony at Robert Mangaliso Hospital in Kimberley," Majaha stated.
He added that the woman had been admitted after giving birth and was later referred to another medical facility for further treatment on January 14. Her newborn is currently under hospital care and will soon be reunited with family.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.