The Eastern Cape Department
of Health has received another devastating report that one of its employees,
Zukisa Nkosiyaphantsi (32) died tragically over the weekend.
The
Community Services Nurse (Comserve Nurse) from St Elizabeth Hospital in
Lusikisiki, died when he allegedly drove a vehicle off a cliff in the Port St
Johns Airstrip on Saturday, during an outing with friends. According to police information, the five were at the cliff taking photographs when the
victim got into the car and started it. The car was then seen driving towards
the cliff, resulting in his death.
The deceased, who had been
working as a Community Service male nurse at this hospital since
February 2021, was the only person in the car at the time of the accident.
His death brings the number to four nurses who tragically lost their lives within the month of
September, with three having been brutally murdered.
Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, conveyed her deepest condolences to the family of the
deceased. “This is devastating news. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.
We are saddened by the deaths of our frontline healthcare workers during the
time when we need them the most, as we are faced by a deadly pandemic. The entire department is in shock as we reflect on the recent killings of our officials.
It is sad that we lose dedicated healthcare workers through tragic incidents at
such an alarming rate,” Meth said.
Police Spokesperson, Sergeant
Kaya Matola-Mvanyashe, confirmed that detectives from Port St Johns are
investigating an inquest case following Nkosiyaphantsi’s death. She said that during this incident, it is alleged that the vehicle careered off the
cliff.
“It took several hours for the Search and Rescue team to retrieve the
body. The investigation continues,” Matola-Mvenyashe added.
