The healthcare community in Zululand, South Africa, is in mourning following the tragic and controversial death of a Nigerian medical doctor, Dr. Francis Sunday Idika, amid allegations of workplace bullying and systematic harassment.
Dr. Idika, who served as Deputy Director and Medical Manager at Vryheid Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal for over 18 years, was found dead at his workplace on Sunday, March 30, 2025. According to reports, a colleague initially discovered him unresponsive inside a hospital restroom around 4:00 AM, assuming he was asleep. By 9:00 AM, it became evident that he had passed away.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 25, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) described Dr. Idika as a man who devoted his life to the service of the Vryheid community, offering compassionate care throughout his career.
However, his death has ignited widespread outrage and demands for a thorough and independent investigation, following allegations that he was subjected to sustained bullying, intimidation, and harassment at his workplace.
Family Rejects Suicide Claims
Amid early reports in local media suggesting suicide, Mrs. Nneka Idika, the deceased's wife, vehemently rejected the claim, describing it as "shocking and unacceptable."
"My husband, being an Igbo man, would never think of that. Never!" she insisted in a statement to Lagos to Jozi Blog on April 25.
According to Mrs. Idika and a press release from the Public Servants Association (PSA), Dr. Idika faced a consistent pattern of mistreatment, especially after the appointment of an Acting CEO at Vryheid Hospital.
History of Workplace Harassment
The PSA outlined a troubling record of abuse, stating that Dr. Idika had been subjected to a "well-documented history of bullying, intimidation, and relentless persecution." His ordeal reportedly included:
- Being evicted from government-provided housing (Mimosa Flats) by the Acting CEO, despite his position entitling him to the accommodation.
- Multiple demotions and annual disciplinary charges since 2019.
- Seven disciplinary charges, most of which he successfully challenged.
- Continuous threats that he would not succeed in defending himself
