The Herald reports that staff at the Rosedale Clinic in Kariega are refusing to return to the facility until the department of health and security services can assure their safety and that of their patients.

Nurses, pharmacists and doctors have not been to the clinic since Monday last week after a stray bullet grazed a patient during a shootout allegedly linked to gang violence. The workers have reported for duty at other clinics in Kariega and Gqeberha. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the shooting did not involve the clinic, and it was also not the target. In June, the clinic was rocked by another shooting incident, which has led to at least eight nurses submitting transfer requests. On Tuesday, the staff met acting health district manager Tandisizwe Ndamase, security cluster representatives and residents at the Kariega Town Hall to discuss potential venues to offer temporary service delivery during the stayaway. A nurse at the clinic said: “Until there is a plan on the table, we will not return to the clinic.” Clinic intervention committee chair Dominic Cyster said though there had been an agreement with police to conduct patrols every two hours, this had not been implemented. “Officers making their rounds were supposed to sign the register when they did come for the checks, but unfortunately, they never came regularly,” he claimed.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntsikelelo Qoyo at The Herald

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