CRIMINAL ATTACKS ON THE STAFF MEMBERS OF MASHAMBA CLINIC*
The Limpopo MEC of Health, Dieketseng Mashego, expresses her deep condemnation of the criminal incident that occurred last night at the Mashamba Clinic in the Vhembe District. At approximately 21:30, two armed intruders approached the clinic under the pretense of bringing in a patient. When the female security officer attempted to open the main gate, she was threatened with a firearm and forced to the ground.
The attackers demanded the security officer’s firearm, which she informed them was located inside the clinic.
Meanwhile, the male security officer, who was inside the clinic, heard the commotion and stepped toward the gate. Realizing the danger posed by the armed criminals, he quickly returned to the clinic and helped to hide the nurses in a safe area at the back of the facility.
In the chaos, one nurse sustained an injury to her mouth while trying to find cover, and another was injured while attempting to escape through the palisade fence. Thankfully, they managed to reach nearby households for safety. The attackers fled the scene without taking anything as the security personnel managed to promptly contact the South African Police Service for assistance.
MEC Mashego says this alarming event underscores the critical need for safety and security within our healthcare facilities, which are dedicated to providing essential services around the clock. “Attacks on healthcare workers not only put lives at risk but also severely impact our ability to deliver uninterrupted care to the community,” said the MEC.
Furthermore, the MEC reiterates her call to the community to remain vigilant and support healthcare workers during these challenging times.
