The Eastern Cape Department of Health, which has budgeted R78m for security upgrades in its facilities, has already had several robberies this year, the latest involving a nurse and security guard being tied up and forced to spend a night in the dispensary.
The incident took place last Friday evening at Zigodlo Clinic in Debenek, in the Amathole region, reports News24.
Police spokesperson Lt-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the guard heard a noise just before midnight and when she investigated, encountered two men who forced her into the dispensary, demanding to know the whereabouts of the on-duty nurse.
"They locked her inside, went to the nurse, who was in her room, where they introduced themselves as security managers… they took her TV and cellphone, before dragging her to the clinic and locking her in with the guard.’
The robbers demanded the gate keys and drove their vehicle inside where they loaded up three computers and a TV, as well as infant formula, a gas cylinder used for the immunisation fridge, the clinic committee’s groceries and a photocopy machine.
Earlier this year, there was electrical cable theft at Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha, and burglars stole a fence at Mabandla Clinic in Kariega.
In addition, staff at Lunga Kobese Clinic in Gqeberha were held up at gunpoint, and their phones stolen.
The previous week, there were robberies at another two clinics.
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth said the department was doing its part by ensuring that security guards, proper fencing and other security measures, like panic buttons, beams and CCTV cameras, were available in public health facilities.
“This financial year alone, the department has set aside R78m for security upgrades,” she added.
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