The incident on Thursday (7/11) has shaken both hospital staff and the broader community.

The patient from Botshabelo was admitted to the hospital’s burns unit on Sunday (3/11), says provincial health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi. The 50-year-old reportedly climbed the stairs down from the seventh to the third floor, and entered an unlocked restroom where he jumped from an open back window.

Hospital management responded immediately upon discovering the man’s body. “The patient did not display any visible signs of emotional distress or required specialised care,” Mvambi said. 

‘Men should seek help when life’s challenges become overwhelming’

The patient’s family has been informed, and law enforcement agencies are conducting further investigations to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Free State Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi has expressed sorrow over the incident, extending his condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. Addressing the broader issue faced by men, Mahlatsi highlighted the importance of mental health support, and urged men to seek help when life’s challenges become overwhelming.

Dis-Chem Clinic Admin Manager Ernst van Rensburg has outlined several pressing health challenges faced by men, including mental health, prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Societal norms often discourage men from expressing emotions, leading to difficulties in coping with stress and emotional challenges.

Mental health experts have long noted that men, traditionally taught to suppress emotions, often lack the emotional resources to cope with life’s hardships. This reluctance to seek help can lead to isolation, exacerbating mental health issues that sometimes culminate in tragedy.

Calls for greater support for men’s mental health continue to grow, emphasising that accessible emotional and psychological care is vital.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg