Lentswe, Potchefstroom - Witrand Specialized Hospital has expanded its services with the opening of a Forensic Psychiatric Services Unit. The unit is located in Ward 2 and operates as an outpatient service every Thursday from 07:30 to 16:00. Senior Manager Medical Services in Witrand, Dr Isaac Wana, said the unit’s primary objective is to provide mental health evaluations for individuals within the criminal justice system who require forensic psychiatry assessments to determine their competency to stand trial.
The Forensic Psychiatric Services Unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
Two new psychiatrists, Dr Gopolang Zwide and Dr Lerato Masenya, have joined the unit to provide comprehensive mental health care.
In highlighting the importance of forensic psychiatry in assessing individuals’ competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and risk of violence, Dr Masenya said Forensic Psychiatry involves evaluating individuals within a legal context.
“You serve as a stakeholder in the judicial system, rather than forming a therapeutic relationship with the patient.”
