A Tsakane mother is calling for accountability after a deeply distressing experience at Pholosong Hospital. In an interview the mother claims her 4-year-old daughter was assaulted while admitted at the facility.
The child, who suffers from hydrocephalus and cannot walk or talk, was admitted on Sunday. She was later found bleeding and injured under unclear circumstances.
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Timeline of Events
Medical Transfer and Overnight Stay
- The child was admitted to Pholosong Hospital on Sunday.
- On the day of the incident, she was taken briefly to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital for a dental consultation.
- Upon return, visiting hours had ended, and the mother had to leave her child alone overnight.
“When we came back from Nelson Mandela, visiting hours were already over, so I had to leave her in her bed,” the mother told EKFM.
Discovery of Injuries Raises Alarm
When the mother returned the next day at around 16:00, she found:
- Blood on the floor near the hospital bed
- Blood stains on her daughter’s mouth and duvet
- Her daughter lying motionless, as she cannot reposition herself independently
“Her mouth was bleeding. I asked the doctor what happened, but he couldn’t face me. He kept sending someone else,” she said.
Pholosong Hospital Under Scrutiny
Pholosong Hospital, located in Tsakane in Gauteng’s Ekurhuleni region, is a state-run health facility. According to a Gauteng Department of Health performance report (2023), the hospital serves over 300,000 people in surrounding townships and often operates under pressure due to staff shortages and high patient volumes.
In 2022, Pholosong Hospital recorded over 20,000 paediatric admissions.
An anonymous hospital staff member told EKFM that this may not be the first such incident in the children’s ward.
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“These things have happened before. But nothing has ever been done,” said the unnamed source.
Mother’s Concerns and Call for Investigation
The mother has expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and transparency.
“She can’t even turn herself over. She was left alone. I need answers,” she said.
She also highlighted that parents are not allowed to stay overnight with their children — a practice common in many government hospitals due to space constraints.
She is now demanding:
- A full internal investigation
- CCTV footage from the ward
- A change in overnight policies for vulnerable children
Hospital Response Pending
Pholosong Hospital has been contacted for comment. As of publishing, no formal statement has been issued. It remains unclear whether an internal probe has begun.
The Gauteng Department of Health has also not yet responded to queries.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Similar Cases Raise Systemic Concerns
South Africa has seen other recent cases of alleged neglect or abuse within public hospitals.
- In 2023, a case emerged from Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital involving an elderly patient who developed bedsores due to a lack of movement.
- In a 2021 report by SECTION27, complaints of poor care in paediatric wards were raised in public hospitals across Gauteng.
These cases highlight broader challenges in patient safety and hospital oversight.
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FAQ
Is the child receiving medical care now?
Yes, the child remains in care. Her condition has not been publicly disclosed since the alleged incident.
Has Pholosong Hospital issued a statement?
No official comment has been made at this time.
Can parents stay with children overnight in public hospitals?
In most government hospitals, space limitations prevent overnight parental stays. However, this policy is increasingly being questioned for vulnerable children.
How You Can Report Concerns
If you have experienced or witnessed medical neglect or abuse in Gauteng, contact:
- Health Ombud: www.ohsc.org.za
- Gauteng Department of Health: www.gauteng.gov.za
The claim that a 4-year-old was assaulted while under hospital care has shaken the Tsakane community. While the facts are still unfolding, the mother’s testimony and supporting evidence raise serious concerns about patient safety at Pholosong Hospital.
Public institutions have a duty to protect the most vulnerable. Transparency, investigation, and policy changes may now be critical to restoring public trust.
