KZN nurse suspended after viral video shows alleged patient assault at King Dinuzulu Hospital

What the footage shows

The video, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), shows a nurse in a ward among patients. She is seen standing beside a patient’s bed, pointing and then physically shoving her finger in the patient’s face. The two exchange words and the nurse then moves to the bed next to the first patient.

Nurse in King Dinuzulu Hospital KZN seen ill treating her patients 🤧 pic.twitter.com/PWRyiczGmY

Mnyamani 👑 (@Zikamnyamane) August 19, 2026

Department response and action

In a statement, the Health Department said it had “noted with serious concern the video circulating on social media” and added that it “unequivocally condemns this behaviour 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.”

The Department said the nurse “will be placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, pending a full and thorough internal investigation into the matter.”

Investigation and assurances

The Department described the probe as being carried out “as a matter of urgency” and reiterated its position that “Corporal punishment has no place in our facilities, and we are committed to ensuring that all patients are treated with the dignity, respect, and care they deserve.”

“We assure the public that we are taking this incident seriously and will ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken once the investigation is concluded.”

Context

The video has gone viral, prompting public outrage and swift departmental action as reported by IOL on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.