Health Ombud launches investigation into ‘heartbreaking' death of medical intern at KZN hospital
The death of Dr Alulutho Mazwi, a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in KZN who was allegedly forced to work despite health problems, has been described as a 'heartbreaking' loss. The incident is being investigated by the South African Health Ombud.
South African Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The investigation, opened at the request of Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will focus on determining the events leading up to the death of Dr Alulutho Mazwi (25), a newly diagnosed diabetic, on 12 May 2025. Mazwi was allegedly forced to report for work despite informing his superiors he was not well, and later collapsed during his shift.
'We extend our deepest condolences to Dr Mazwi's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. This investigation aims to provide clarity and closure for those affected, helping them understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,' stated Mokoena.
The Health Ombud's investigating team will also be evaluating the working conditions and support systems for medical interns and other health professionals at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital; identifying any systemic issues or lapses in protocol that may have contributed to Mazwi's death; and providing recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in future.
Ricardo Mahlakanya, the spokesperson for the Health Ombud, told Daily Maverick that the estimated period for completing the investigation was six months.
'Heartbreaking' loss
In a petition calling for justice for Mazwi, seemingly started by his romantic partner Lindokuhle Phathekile, he is described as a 'dedicated and compassionate' healthcare professional.
'Despite being visibly ill and battling a chronic condition, he continued to serve his patients selflessly. His unwavering commitment highlights the passion and dedication he had for his profession and the wellbeing of his patients,' states the petition.
'It's a grievous situation that Dr Mazwi, who should have been resting and recuperating, was compelled to work under such strenuous conditions. This tragedy not only highlights the dire working conditions faced by healthcare workers globally, but also underscores the necessity for implementing adequate workplace health policies that safeguard the wellbeing and safety of medical professionals.'
In the petition, Phathekile calls for accountability for Mazwi's death, and the introduction and strict enforcement of improved health policies to prevent 'such heartbreaking incidents'.
Suspension of supervisor
Dr Zanele Bikitsha, the provincial chairperson of the South African Medical Association (Sama) in KwaZulu-Natal, said that the organisation had met with management at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital and demanded the precautionary suspension of the supervisor implicated in Mazwi's death. She confirmed that the supervisor had since been placed on suspension.
In that meeting, Sama also requested an independent investigation into the incident.
'We then asked, because we know [the incident is] not isolated, that they must have a meeting with all department heads that are [responsible] for intern training in their department, so that as management, they put them on [the same] page about what they will accept when it comes to the way that they handle interns,' said Bikitsha.
'We've also agreed to be part of the solution by training the interns on their rights when it comes to internship… from a labour perspective and also from a Health Professionals Council perspective.'
Bikitsha said that the challenges and pressures facing medical interns were not unique to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. Not only were interns at the bottom of the medical hierarchy in health facilities, she explained, they also relied on their supervisors to 'sign for competency' in their logbooks, making it difficult for them to speak out against those overseeing their duties.
'The number one thing that we think is going to be a game changer is for the national Department of Health and the Treasury to get on the same page about staffing. Doctors, whether it's interns, [medical officers], registrars or consultants, are currently overseeing more than the safe working norm by the World Health Organization. Therefore, you cannot expect, in a situation like that, for quality to come out. The Department of Health and the Treasury need to come together about funding posts within the health system so that this doesn't happen,' said Bikitsha.
'Broader systemic rot'
In a statement released by the trade union Public Servants Association, it was noted that Mazwi died after allegedly being pressured by his supervising consultant to work while 'critically ill'.
'His deteriorating health was visible, yet he continued to work and collapsed during his shift and tragically passed away,' stated the association.
'This devastating incident is a culmination of what the Public Servants Association has consistently warned the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health about, related to inhumane working conditions, autocratic leadership and abuse of power at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. The association has previously picketed and delivered memoranda to the head of department and the MEC for health, raising serious concerns about ill-treatment of staff.'
According to the Public Servants Association, many doctors and healthcare workers across KwaZulu-Natal continue to suffer due to 'hostile, exploitative and toxic management', often working under 'impossible conditions without support'.
'Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital is emblematic of a broader systemic rot that continues unchecked,' said the association.
The Public Servants Association led a picket outside the hospital on Tuesday, 20 May, at which its KZN spokesperson Mlungi Ndlovu told SABC that they were calling for an investigation into Mazwi's death by the Department of Employment and Labour, as well as the Health Ombud.
'It is the view of members that the province, in terms of the health system, has collapsed. Now is the time for change, and it is the voices of [our] members that are saying 'we are tired',' said Ndlovu.
Daily Maverick reached out to the KZN Department of Health about Mazwi's death and the subsequent investigation. Its response will be added when it becomes available.
In a statement released by the KZN Health Department on 14 May, it said it was 'shocked and deeply saddened' by the death of Mazwi and three other medical professionals in the province within a short period of time. The deaths were all separate incidents involving health workers from different facilities.
'It has been truly devastating to learn of the deaths of these young, talented
professionals at four of our healthcare facilities. They were individuals who not only contributed immensely to our healthcare system, but also embodied the spirit of service, compassion, and leadership. Their potential to shape and mentor future generations has been cut short, and we are heartbroken by this loss. On behalf of the department, I extend heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues,' said Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC.
The department said it would continue to support the affected institutions and families.
According to the Health Ombud's press release, the death of a doctor at Vryheid Hospital in KZN was also referred to the ombud for investigation recently. The referral came from Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, chair of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health.
'The two complaints mentioned in the press release are the only ones brought to the Ombud's attention by the minister and the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, and we have not yet started [an investigation],' Mahlakanya told Daily Maverick.
'However, the Ombud will enquire with the KZN Health MEC regarding other incidents that might have been brought to her attention. All these complaints will be combined and investigated systematically.' DM
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