Investigation launched after mother falls to death at Kimberley hospital

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a 22-year-old mother plunged to her death at a Kimberley hospital on the weekend.

The woman fell from the fifth-floor balcony at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning, the police said.

According to reports, the woman had recently given birth. It remains unclear whether she fell or if she was pushed.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers stated that they were alerted to an incident involving an unnatural death at the hospital.

“Upon arrival, the scene had reportedly been cleared by hospital personnel. The police have opened an inquest docket. The Department of Health will also investigate the matter,” said Ehlers.

The Northern Cape Department of Health expressed its condolences over the incident and assured co-operation with the police investigation.

Department spokesperson Lebogang Majaha said they were saddened to hear of the woman's passing.

He explained that the woman had been transferred to the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital on January 14 after giving birth at another medical facility. She was admitted for further care and treatment.

Majaha said the baby remains in the care of the hospital and will soon be reunited with the family.