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7 July 2023
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Medical staff robbed in hospital, hospital vandalised, Mpumalanga
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“In the early hours of Saturday,17 June 2023, the Carolina Hospital was reportedly attacked by a group of suspects who stormed into the premises and attacked the staff members wherein some of them were assaulted, as well as robbed of their personal items, including cell phones”, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said.
“As if that was not enough, the group reportedly went on and vandalised hospital property, leaving behind a trail of destruction,” said Mohlala.
According to Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe, people who were injured during a fight at a tavern were taken to Carolina Provincial Hospital. When one of the people died of his injuries, the group began vandalising the hospital. "They also attacked and robbed the hospital staff on duty at the time," he said.
“It is reported that a tavern owner was fighting with some of the patrons. Police were called to the scene and they reportedly responded by firing bullets at the gang that had allegedly attacked the tavern owner,” according to spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi.
“People who got injured in the fight were subsequently taken to Carolina Hospital.” Mmusi said when one of the people who had been brought to the hospital for medical assistance succumbed to his injuries, his associates started vandalising the hospital. “They also attacked and robbed the hospital staff on duty at the time,” said Mmusi.
MEC Shongwe added that "healthcare facilities should not be playgrounds for criminals" and said the "barbaric and heartlessness displayed towards healthcare workers" could not be allowed.
The MEC vowed to identify and address security threats at healthcare facilities and said they would engage with contracted security service providers to find better ways of protecting the facilities.
"While we are working around the clock to safeguard healthcare facilities and personnel, we also need communities to assist by reporting suspicious activities or people to the police. The attacks on these facilities and personnel are the worst forms of lawlessness. Therefore, communities must work with us and expose evildoers," he said.
Four arrested
Four people were arrested in connection with the attack on staff and patients at the Carolina Hospital.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the four are aged between 17 and 21. They were arrested by the province's anti-gang unit. He said a police team had been established to trace the suspects. “When the suspects were arrested, the members recovered a mobile phone believed to have been stolen during the robbery.”
The group is scheduled to appear in the Carolina magistrate's court on Monday, 3 July 2023. They face charges of malicious damage to property, business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
The police had already arrested Nomfundo Joloza, aged 22, on 17 June 2023, on charges of malicious damage to property. She appeared in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on 18 June and was released on a warning. The matter was postponed to 3 July in the same court.
Sources: TimesLive, IOL, Mpumalanga News
“As if that was not enough, the group reportedly went on and vandalised hospital property, leaving behind a trail of destruction,” said Mohlala.
According to Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe, people who were injured during a fight at a tavern were taken to Carolina Provincial Hospital. When one of the people died of his injuries, the group began vandalising the hospital. "They also attacked and robbed the hospital staff on duty at the time," he said.
“It is reported that a tavern owner was fighting with some of the patrons. Police were called to the scene and they reportedly responded by firing bullets at the gang that had allegedly attacked the tavern owner,” according to spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi.
“People who got injured in the fight were subsequently taken to Carolina Hospital.” Mmusi said when one of the people who had been brought to the hospital for medical assistance succumbed to his injuries, his associates started vandalising the hospital. “They also attacked and robbed the hospital staff on duty at the time,” said Mmusi.
MEC Shongwe added that "healthcare facilities should not be playgrounds for criminals" and said the "barbaric and heartlessness displayed towards healthcare workers" could not be allowed.
The MEC vowed to identify and address security threats at healthcare facilities and said they would engage with contracted security service providers to find better ways of protecting the facilities.
"While we are working around the clock to safeguard healthcare facilities and personnel, we also need communities to assist by reporting suspicious activities or people to the police. The attacks on these facilities and personnel are the worst forms of lawlessness. Therefore, communities must work with us and expose evildoers," he said.
Four arrested
Four people were arrested in connection with the attack on staff and patients at the Carolina Hospital.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the four are aged between 17 and 21. They were arrested by the province's anti-gang unit. He said a police team had been established to trace the suspects. “When the suspects were arrested, the members recovered a mobile phone believed to have been stolen during the robbery.”
The group is scheduled to appear in the Carolina magistrate's court on Monday, 3 July 2023. They face charges of malicious damage to property, business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
The police had already arrested Nomfundo Joloza, aged 22, on 17 June 2023, on charges of malicious damage to property. She appeared in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on 18 June and was released on a warning. The matter was postponed to 3 July in the same court.
Sources: TimesLive, IOL, Mpumalanga News