The department welcomed the sentencing of a disgruntled patient who reportedly poured a bucket of faeces over a healthcare worker at Thabong Clinic in Welkom. Tshediso Mbele (38) was sentenced to six years and 8 months in prison by the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.

During the court ruling on Thursday (27/3), Mbele was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to serve the remaining five years of his previous 15-year sentence for rape, which he was on parole for.

Mbele was found guilty of two counts of common assault, two counts of crimen injuria, one count of malicious damage to property, and one count of trespassing. It is said he committed these acts while he was on parole thus leading to the revocation of his parole.

“We hope this sentence sends a clear message to society that violence and abuse will not be tolerated in our health facilities or society at large,” said Free State Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.

“We urge all patients to remain patient and follow the proper complaint management procedures instead of resorting to violence.”

He said that we also commend the healthcare worker for standing firm in the face of adversity and pursuing justice against her perpetrator.

Mbele initially visited the clinic the day before the incident but was dissatisfied with the speed of service. He left and returned the following day with a bucket of faeces, which he poured on the nurse and clinic property, including files, a heater, a kettle, cups, and filing cabinets.

The clinic had to close prematurely because of the chaos he caused in July last year. The incident was reported to the Thabong police station, where a case of assault and malicious property damage was registered. Mbele was arrested, charged, and released on a warning.

“After the attack, Mbele took to social media to brag about his acts, showing no remorse and highlighting the premeditated nature of his actions,” said Mvambi.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg