-Staff Writer / Fri, 15 Jan 2026
A patient has been arrested after allegedly attacking clinic staff during a routine administrative process at Thabong Clinic near Welkom in the Free State on Thursday.
According to the Free State Department of Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi, the incident occurred during the biometrics and file-issuing process when a misunderstanding reportedly led to the patient becoming aggressive.
In a statement Mahlatsi said the patient allegedly assaulted an official responsible for issuing patient files and later attacked the clinic manager who attempted to intervene and resolve the situation.
A criminal case was opened at Thabong Police Station, and the suspect was arrested and charged with assault. The accused was later released on warning and is expected to appear in court on 26 January 2026.
“The Department will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and explore measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As an employer, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our employees, a duty we take very seriously,” Mahlatsi said.
The has since condemned the attack, describing violence against healthcare workers as unacceptable. He has also called on community members to respect healthcare staff who continue to serve the public under challenging conditions.
In 2019 another patient, Vice Olivier, who attempted to rape an intern doctor at Bloemfontein’s Pelonomi Hospital , was declared a “state patient” and sent to the Free State Psychiatric Complex after being found unfit to stand trial due to mental illness.
News Junction (Gold Standard)