By Anita Dangazele
The Kwazakhele Clinic in Gqeberha has been closed because of safety concerns after several robberies.
Eastern Cape health department spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said the clinic was shut down after residents warned healthcare workers that a possible crime targeting the facility was planned.
People who usually go to Kwazakhele Clinic for primary healthcare must now seek help at nearby clinics.
“The department strongly condemns attacks on healthcare facilities and workers,” said Ndamase. “We also thank the community for warning the healthcare workers, which helped protect them from possible harm.”
The clinic will stay closed until further notice. Ndamase said the department would work with the police to assess the situation before reopening it.
In April, two emergency medical workers were robbed at gunpoint at the clinic by six people who also tried to steal the ambulance.
A week earlier, a nearby clinic on Befile Street was broken into, and two computers were stolen.
Vuyo Nodlawu, regional chair of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, said in April that at least 63 security guards were needed for the clinics and hospitals in the area.
Months later, the lack of security remains a problem at many clinics.
Pictured above: Outside the Kwazakhele Clinic in Gqeberha.
Source: Facebook
