The North West health department’s inquiry into the 2025 death of long-term psychiatric patient Quinton du Plessis at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in Potchefstroom has found no evidence of physical abuse, but investigators reported shortcomings in patient care and could not reach a conclusive finding on allegations of sexual assault.
Investigation scope and key findings
Provincial health authorities appointed an investigation team that began work on 1 July 2025. The team carried out a review of patient records, interviewed relevant personnel, inspected hospital facilities and assessed clinical services, nursing care, patient safety, security, infrastructure, support services, and management and governance systems.
During a media briefing the province’s health MEC said the probe did not find evidence to support claims of physical assault. However, the team described the evidence relating to allegations of sexual assault as inconclusive.
“Importantly, the postmortem report was still outstanding when the investigation report was finalised,” the MEC said.
The MEC said the sexual assault allegation remains part of an ongoing police investigation and the department will consider any additional evidence that arises from that process.
Patient background and timeline
According to the department, Du Plessis had been a long-term inpatient at Witrand after an early-life diagnosis of moderate intellectual disability disorder. He also had Prader–Willi syndrome and other underlying chronic conditions. His clinical history included an earlier admission at Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital in Mahikeng and discharge to a placement centre in June 2013.
| Event | Date / Year |
|---|---|
| Discharged from Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital | June 2013 |
| Approved ward leaves while at Witrand | 2014, 2015 and 2021 |
| Investigation commenced | 1 July 2025 |
| Patient death | June 2025 |
What the report did and did not establish
The investigation sought to establish the circumstances that gave rise to the allegations circulating on social media following Du Plessis’s death. It examined documentation and interviewed staff. While the panel did not find proof of physical abuse, the evidence on sexual assault allegations did not allow a definitive conclusion.
- The postmortem report had not been finalised when the department concluded its investigation.
- Allegations of sexual assault remain under police investigation.
- The departmental inquiry noted shortcomings in patient care and broader systems at the hospital.
Local implications and next steps
Families of long-term patients and advocacy groups will be watching for the final postmortem and the outcome of the police inquiry. The department’s decision to review clinical services, governance and support systems indicates concerns beyond a single incident — pointing to systemic issues that can affect other vulnerable patients.
The MEC said the department would await the final police and postmortem findings before making any further conclusive recommendations tied to the sexual assault allegation. Any additional evidence arising from the police probe will be considered by the department.
Context for families and caregivers
Long-term psychiatric patients often depend on stable clinical oversight, appropriate staffing and functioning support services. Leave of absence arrangements — noted in Du Plessis’s record for 2014, 2015 and 2021 — are ordinarily time-limited permissions for supervised movement outside wards. The department’s review of management and governance systems suggests an intention to strengthen oversight where gaps were identified.
As the police investigation continues and the postmortem is finalised, the department’s findings underline the need for transparent communication with families about care standards and incident responses at psychiatric facilities.
Copies of the internal investigation report and any departmental action plans were not released at the briefing. The department said it will consider further measures based on outstanding forensic and police evidence.
We will follow developments as the postmortem and police processes conclude and report on any departmental reforms proposed to improve patient safety at Witrand and other provincial psychiatric facilities.
