“I heard a commotion and shortly after I heard the shots go off. I was afraid and didn’t know what to do.”
This is how a patient at New Somerset Hospital’s surgical ward described the shooting incident that took place there on Saturday 7 May.
The patient, whose identity cannot be revealed for safety concerns, says: “After the shots I looked outside our door and saw the man lying there. We were all scared. A nurse came and took us all to another ward. It was traumatic.”
According to the Western Cape Department of Health, the alleged shooter was a patient who was ready to be discharged.
It is alleged that the 40-year-old shooter overpowered a police officer and took his service pistol. He fired several shots. He allegedly shot the 32-year-old constable through the head. Constable Donay Phillips died in the early hours of Sunday morning due to his injuries.
Phillips, was stationed at Sea Point Police Station. He was guarding another patient when the suspect grabbed his firearm.
Two patients were shot dead, according to the police.
The names of two deceased patients, aged 42 and 48, are yet to be released.
Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape police Commissioner, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased officer.
Meanwhile, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.
The provincial health department praised a staff member for her heroism that led to the perpetrator handing over the weapon.
“Following the altercation and the shooting, a healthcare worker (who has asked not to be named) went into the ward and spoke directly to the perpetrator. She calmed the shooter down and convinced him to hand over the firearm. Despite the personal risk to her, she stood up to help those around her. This heroism possibly saved many more lives,” read the statement.
The statement continues: “During this dark time, we salute the staff in the ward who remained calm, who supported the other patients while all their lives were at risk. We continue to be inspired by their courage and care. The staff and patients in the ward, as well as the family of the patients who lost their lives, are receiving counselling following this horrific incident. Their wellbeing is our top concern.”
Premier Alan Winde visited the hospital on Saturday to speak to the staff.
On Sunday provincial Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and her Community Safety and Police Oversight counterpart, Reagan Allen, also visited the facility.
Winde says: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of three residents during this horrific incident. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this senseless act. I also want to join the department in praising our healthcare workers who under the most trying time continued to serve the people of our province. We expect a full investigation into this matter, so that we can understand exactly what happened. This can never be allowed to happen again.”
Mbombo conveyed her sympathy to the families of the victims. “I wish to applaud the healthcare staff of the New Somerset Hospital for their professional and effective management of the incident going beyond their call of duty.”
Winde condemned the shooting, saying the disregard for life is “deplorable.”
“It is gut wrenching that an officer should lose his life in this manner. We regard an attack on the police, as a direct attack on us all, and this cannot become the norm. I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and all loved ones, including the men and women in blue who has been affected by this hideous crime.”
