Human Rights watchdog demands accountability as two die in hospital

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights Africa has called for accountability following the deaths of two patients at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital. The mental health watchdog alleges abuse and neglect in the country's mental health institutions. Maurithus Meiring, the organization's coordinator, states that the deaths indicate serious issues at the hospital.

"The department was supposed to address these matters at the conference, but they came without answers. We are asking for very simple things. These patients have rights and families have been deeply hurt," Meiring asserts.

Although the North West Department of Health acknowledged that their 2025 investigation into the death of Quinton Du Plessis found longstanding weaknesses in patient care, they denied allegations of neglect and abuse. MEC Sello Lehari claims the investigation identified critical weaknesses in patient care, staffing, infrastructure, security, and clinical and management systems, all of which were within the department's responsibility. Lehari stated, "We must address these matters."

The North West Health Department has ruled out physical abuse in the death of Quinton du Plessis, who was a patient at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in Potchefstroom. However, a case of sexual assault remains under investigation.