Media Advisory: Health Ombud to release findings on psychiatric case death by burns and neonatal death

Tuesday 17th March , 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY

17 March 2026

TO ALL EDITORS AND HEALTH JOURNALISTS

Health Ombud to release findings on psychiatric case death by burns and neonatal death

The Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, will release findings from two investigations into patient safety incidents in Gauteng. The briefing will address the death of a mental health care user at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) and the neonatal death at Netcare Femina Hospital (NFH).

The investigation at DGMAH was prompted by a complaint from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) regarding a psychiatric patient’s death due to burn injuries in June 2024. The NFH case involves allegations of incorrect medication leading to a neonate’s death.

Members of the media are invited to the briefing, details as follows:

Date: Monday, 23 March 2026

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: GCIS Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, Tshedimosetso House,1035, Cnr Francis Baard and Festival Streets, Hatfield, Pretoria

The media briefing will also be streamed live on the following platforms:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA X: http://x.com/GovernmentZA

YouTube: youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

End.

Issued by the Health Ombud

Media Enquiries: Ricardo Mahlakanya

Cell: 066 473 8666