Security upgrade at hospitals after fatal argument

THE Eastern Cape health department will speed up its plans to improve security at hospitals after a patient was killed at All Saints Hospital in Ngcobo.

An argument between two patients in the early hours of the morning on May 8, ended in the death of Mzingisi Diko, 38.

His alleged assailant has since been arrested.

Visiting Diko's family at Gobhoti village in Ngcobo, health MEC Sicelo Gqobana said his department would take responsibility for the burial. "We are worried by the incident and we apologise as the department."

His visit comes after the family blamed the hospital for failing to protect patients.

Gqobana said All Saints was on a prioritised list of hospitals to receive electronic security, including CCTV cameras. He has called for a full investigation into the incident.

Family spokesman Kadefunwa Qoba said they were satisfied by the MEC's undertaking that his department would pay the funeral costs. Diko will be buried on Saturday. – Lulamile Feni and Loyiso Mpalantshane