Durban – A KwaZulu-Natal nurse has been suspended after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed her assaulting a patient, prompting the provincial health department to launch an investigation.
The video appears to show the nurse striking the patient on the face while making inappropriate remarks.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with the department saying it took action after becoming aware of the footage.
The nurse was suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into the alleged conduct.
The department said the incident was unacceptable and that disciplinary action would follow if wrongdoing was established.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media depicting a nurse physically assaulting a patient at King Dinuzulu Hospital,” it said in a statement.
“The Department unequivocally condemns this behavior in the strongest possible terms.
“The conduct displayed in the video is completely unacceptable, violates the core values of our healthcare system, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Patients at King Dinuzulu Hospital are appealing to the public for assistance following a video showing a nurse allegedly pushing her finger into the forehead of a male patient. The video has been edited to comply with community guidelines. 19 Aug 2026 pic.twitter.com/gsjz0BADfu
— Black-Jesus💧🇿🇦 (@KingMntungwa) August 19, 2026
The department added: “Following the emergence of the video, the Department has acted decisively. The nurse in question will be placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, pending a full and thorough internal investigation into the matter.”
The incident has renewed concerns about the treatment of patients in public healthcare facilities, with authorities stressing that healthcare workers are expected to treat patients with dignity and respect.
The department said it would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate action based on the findings.
WATCH: A nurse believed to be based at King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban seen poking a patient.
It is believed that the video was taken recently and it is not clear what had irked the nurse to behave like this – KZN Tonight Podcast pic.twitter.com/qXSQq9xvJh— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 19, 2026
Patients at King Dinuzulu Hospital are appealing for help from the public. These patients are being abused by a female nurse in Ward SS2. She doesn’t mind to beat the hell out of them even though they’re sick. Authorities in the department of health should deal with this… pic.twitter.com/BQDHoAM6KB
— The King of Trolls (@StHonorable) August 19, 2026
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
