The attacks on healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape have become more common, and the lives of the workers are being exposed to danger.
This comes after an unidentified assailant recently killed a security guard who worked at the Maqanyeni Clinic in Ngqeleni.
The attackers shot the guard after they broke into the clinic and stole five computers.
Nomakhosazana Meth, the MEC for health in the province,, condemned the incident and ordered that a police investigation should not leave any stone unturned.
Communities asked to protect healthcare workers
“The security guard died at the hands of vicious criminals with no regard for human life,” said Meth.
“We send our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Meth claimed that if criminals targeted healthcare workers, the community would suffer the consequences.
“When our facilities and healthcare workers are attacked, it is the communities that will suffer.
“We are calling on communities to protect our staff, including security guards, at our facilities.
“We are also calling on the police to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to bring these criminals to book.
“Communities should also work with authorities to ensure that the people behind this heinous crime are arrested,” said the MEC.
Meth added that the department would provide counselling to traumatised staff.
No arrests have been made, and the police are investigating a case of theft and murder.
Locked inside the dispensary
In February, a nurse and a security guard at the Zigodlo Clinic in Debenek in the Eastern Cape were attacked before the thugs fled with three computers, CPUs, a photocopier, baby formula, and an immunisation refrigerator.
Before fleeing with the stolen items, the suspects are said to have tied and locked the security guard and the nurse inside the dispensary.
The department opened a case of theft and assault.
