Mental health patient ‘sets fire to bed’ at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Ward

Zuko Komisa

A fire at the female psychiatry ward of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital was caused by a mental health patient setting her bed alight while demanding discharge.
The Gauteng Health Department confirmed no injuries resulted, thanks to the quick response of security personnel and the City of Johannesburg Fire Department.
Patients were moved as a precaution while police and hospital staff investigate the incident and ensure safety.

A fire broke out in the female psychiatry ward at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital on Monday afternoon after a mental health patient reportedly set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged.

The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed the incident, stating that, fortunately, no injuries were sustained by patients or staff.

In a statement issued late Monday, the department detailed how the fire began.

“A mental health patient set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged,” the statement read.

The hospital’s security personnel responded with swift action, managing to effectively assist in putting out the blaze.

The City of Johannesburg Fire Department also attended the scene to fully address the situation and is currently focused on clearing smoke from the affected area.

As a precaution, patients were immediately moved from the ward to allow for a thorough investigation. Police are understood to be on-site assisting with enquiries into the incident.

The Department of Health added that hospital management and staff took immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients in the ward following the event.