SowetanLive reports that lack of water and sanitisers in Hhoyi village in Mpumalanga resulted in angry residents setting their dogs on health officials who had come to screen and test them for Covid-19 at the weekend.  

They also pelted the officials with stones to highlight their plight.  "We heard that they were coming and we decided to set dogs on them and also threw stones at them because they didn't come with sanitisers or water so that we can wash our hands regularly as required," said some residents.  One resident explained as follows:  "I heard that there are other people with their conspiracy theories who told some community members, mostly the elderly, that they should refuse to be tested.  They told them they should demand water because this community has scarcity of water.  They also wanted indemnity and consent forms first before they could be tested.  But for us the screening is something people should not worry about because they ask you questions and check your temperature."  Health MEC Sasekani Manzini said they didn't use force to screen or test people.  A Nkomazi municipality spokesperson indicated that the situation calmed down after Sunday's incident and the health officials were allowed to do their job.  Six people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the Nkomazi municipality.  

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mandla Khoza at SowetanLive

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