Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A PATIENT at Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital allegedly escaped from the institution, accusing staff of physical abuse and emotional mistreatment, while her family claims hospital authorities attempted to cover up serious negligence.
The patient’s name has been withheld for ethical reasons.
Family members and a close friend have since demanded urgent investigations, raising alarm over patient safety, staff conduct, and management oversight at the Bulawayo-based mental health facility.
According to a family representative, hospital officials claimed that two patients used a knife and a wire to open a ward door during the alleged escape. The family has strongly disputed this version of events, describing it as implausible.
“They told us the door was opened using a knife and a wire,” the relative said. “Those doors weigh more than 100 kilogrammes. They are designed to contain even violent patients and do not have handles on the inside. There is no way such weak objects could open them.”
The family said the patient initially went to the home of a known associate but was later asked to leave. She then stayed briefly at another residence linked to a friend before being located.
Speaking to B-Metro, the patient said she did not forcibly escape. She claimed she noticed an open door while going to the toilet and took the opportunity to leave. She added that she was already scheduled for discharge and that conditions inside the hospital had become unbearable.
She further alleged that during her admission she was physically and emotionally abused by nursing staff and subjected to degrading language.
“They beat us, insult us, and tell us we should die because we are of no use,” she said.
The patient denied abusing alcohol or drugs, stating that she only suffers from schizophrenia and was receiving treatment for the condition.
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental health disorder characterised by a disconnection from reality, manifesting through symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech, and impaired social or cognitive functioning. It typically appears in late adolescence or early adulthood.
After leaving the hospital, she was assisted by a long-time friend — Sipho Mazibuko — who is also a mental health advocate and founder of a local mental health organisation. The two first met as patients at the hospital in 2011.
“She begged me to help her,” Mazibuko told B-Metro. “She said the situation had become unbearable.”
She wrote a formal letter to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Nemache Mawere, outlining allegations of abuse, negligence, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mazibuko said the response raised further concern.
“The CEO was unaware of both the reported mistreatment and the patient leaving the ward,” she said.
“That alone raises serious questions about patient safety and internal communication.”
Mazibuko warned that other patients may be facing similar treatment.
The patient has since been formally discharged and is now at home under family care.
Further, the family alleged they were given an ultimatum by hospital authorities, either take the patient home voluntarily or risk her transfer to Mlondolozi, a mental health facility they believe is designated for criminal patients. They described the threat as extreme and unnecessary.
Dr Mawere confirmed awareness of the matter but declined to comment in detail, saying internal consultations were ongoing.
He assured B-Metro that a formal response would be issued in due course.
