In the past two months, North West communities have experienced crime incidents at provincial hospitals, leading to health MEC Madoda Sambatha questioning the security measures at the hospitals around the province.
In the previous month of March, a pregnant health worker was fatally shot by her ex-husband on the premises of Brits hospital when she was due to report for duty. This incident prompted Sambatha to pay the hospital a visit in the afternoon after the occurrence earlier that day.
The most recent criminal activity occurred at Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp last Wednesday. According to Provincial Police Spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburg, she received information that doctors were having a meeting when three suspects stormed into the conference room and pointed a firearm at them.
One of the suspects is set to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Friday in connection with the robbery of the four doctors. "The suspect allegedly demanded their cell phones and other property before fleeing," stated Myburgh.
She added that one of the suspects was apprehended by hospital security, who then handed it over to police.
The MEC has condemned the incident.
Tebogo Lekgethwane, the Spokesperson for the Northwest Department of Health, said the MEC had questioned the security company and demanded an explanation of how these men could pass through the security gates with guns.
"The security company, however, indicated that all people who enter the hospital premises are checked but failed to explain how the men entered the facility with guns," he added.
It is said that a debriefing session was held with the affected doctors to provide counselling services."
Lekgethwane added that Matlosana is known to have a high rate of gangsterism, and health facilities often fall victim to such incidents.
"For this reason, MEC Sambatha has called on the law enforcement agencies to help stamp out gangsterism in the area and ensure the safety of health facilities," concluded Lekgethwane.
