A hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, is under fire after a video of security guards allegedly assaulting a patient emerged.

The shocking video that was first seen on Friday, September 29 shows two guards at Ladysmith Provincial Hospital slapping and punching the patient under unclear circumstances.

Not even the desperate cries and apologies of the patient in a ward full of fellow patients could deter the security guards from committing the inhumane action.

The hospital’s public relations officer Thabo Sithole says that investigations into the disturbing incident have began in earnest.

‘We were shocked by security guards!’

“Yes, we saw the video that was circulating on social media. After viewing the video, hospital management conducted an immediate investigation into the incident and the security guards involved were suspended immediately, pending an investigation,” Sithole says, as reported by The Citizen.

“As the hospital, we were shocked to witness such behaviour from our contracted security personnel. That is the reason we acted swiftly and those found responsible will face the disciplinary process, because, as the hospital, we are committed to ensuring that all patients under our care are treated with dignity and respect.”