German nurse found guilty of killing patients to lighten workload

A nurse in Germany has been convicted of murdering 10 patients and attempting to kill 27 others, after deliberately administering lethal overdoses of painkillers and sedatives. 

According to international correspondent Adam Gilchrist, officials have not released his name, reportedly to avoid compromising ongoing investigations into other suspicious deaths. 

Gilchrist said the unnamed medic targeted mostly elderly patients in his care, claiming he wanted to reduce his workload during night shifts by having fewer people to attend to. 

"A lot of people entering into the final stages of life, but that doesn't mean he can end their life."

The killings took place over just six months, ending in May last year when he was caught, reported Gilchrist.

The court determined that the nurse's motive stemmed from convenience and indifference, rather than compassion.

To listen to Adam Gilchrist in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, click the audio below: