Patient escapes from Tygerberg Hospital in viral video

Security officials at Tygerberg Hospital had their hands full when they had to chase down a patient who was pacing down the street in an effort to escape from the hospital while on treatment. The patient can be seen running down the street while dressed in his blue hospital robe, with a security guard casing after him with a walkie-talkie in hand. The patient then slows down and starts walking until he looks back, spots the security officer, and starts running across the road near the hospital.

Laticia Pienaar, Communications Officer for Tygerberg Hospital, confirmed that they are aware of the video and stated that the patient absconded, but he was safely returned to the hospital to continue his treatment, and the matter is under internal review. She said that no further information can be shared out of respect for the patient’s confidentiality. Pienaar stated: “Preliminary information indicates that a patient undergoing treatment at the facility absconded from the hospital premises. “Security staff responded promptly and ensured that the patient was safely returned to continue receiving the necessary care.