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DENOSA deplores killing of a female nurse in a KZN clinic
Media statement
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
We appeal to community members to assist law enforcement agencies in bringing perpetrator to book
As the country began observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) would like to register its disgust at the manner in which a female nurse was shot down outside Kwa-Dabeka Clinic in KwaZulu-Natal just as she knocked off work last night.
The staff nurse was shot more than 6 times and three bullets hit her in the chest, and she died instantly, leaving the facility a nurse poorer in a community where health workers are most needed. The clinic serves a population of more than 175 000 people. This happened while the staff at the facility was watching.
What outrages DENOSA about this incidence is that it happened on the day the country launched the campaign against violence on women and children. The less we say about security at many healthcare facilities throughout the country the better, because health workers have been attacked on many occasions in the premises of work.
DENOSA sends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and one of our own. We appeal to members of the community to work hand-in-hand with the law enforcement agencies to assist in bringing the perpetrators to book.
Only a justice system will send a strong message to current and potential perpetrators that committing a crime will be met with the full might of the law, by handing harsher sentences on those who seek to undermine the country’s fight against abuse of women and children.
As majority of nurses are women, violence against women and children affects them the most, and DENOSA finds it discomforting that healthcare facilities are still not tightened sufficiently. DENOSA appeals to hospital management throughout the country ensure tighter security in and around health facilities, not only for the duration of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
End
Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA)
For more information, contact:
Sibongiseni Delihlazo, DENOSA Communications Manager
Mobile: 079 875 2663
Or
For the KZN incident: Cassim Lekhoathi, DENOSA Provincial Secretary in KwaZulu-Natal
Mobile: 082 821 1465
Website: www.denosa.org.za
Facebook: DENOSA National Page
Twitter: @DENOSAORG
