GroundUp reports that Nomangesi Jayiya clinic in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, has been closed since 21 June after staff and patients were robbed by three armed suspects at the clinic a week ago.
A nurse who was one of the victims said: “One day we will die at clinics while serving patients. The three criminals pointed guns at us and at patients, before ordering us to hand over our cellphones, watches and handbags. They ran off on foot and left us shaken. We do not feel safe to go to work anymore.” Staff at Mabandla clinic in ward 45 have also not gone to work since the incident at the neighbouring clinic on Wednesday last week. Messages on Facebook pages indicate that staff shortages in the past few days at health facilities, such as Edameni and Laetitia Bam Day Hospital in Kariega, were also due to crime incidents. According to Eastern Cape health department spokesperson Yonela Dekeda, five clinics in Gqeberha were affected by criminality last week (details in report). Dekeda advised that the department was providing counselling to the affected staff. She also indicated: “The department continues to work together with SAPS, social partners and community structures. To improve security in healthcare facilities, the department has recently launched an Integrated Security Solution.” She said this would include security guards, the installation of alarms with panic buttons, and cameras among other security upgrades.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thamsanqa Mbovane at GroundUp
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