By Kopano Dibakwane
The staff and patients at Carolina hospital were allegedly attacked by a group of armed men who stormed into the hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning, around 1am, vandalising medical equipment and furniture in the casualty unit.
The shocking incident led to an agreement reached between MEC for health in Mpumalanga, Sasekani Manzini, labour unions, local ward councillors and the police, to start conducting visible patrolling at the hospital.
The police will reportedly provide back up to the security guards who are tasked with providing security services to the hospital, by patrolling the hospital on hourly basis, especially on weekends, also strengthening security measures by installing burglar doors on the nurses duty room.
Manzini condemned the “barbaric” act and called upon communities to work as a collective with law enforcement to ensure safety at the health facility.
” We are very much disturbed by the incident. We appeal to members of the community to work with the department (of health) and the SAPS(South African Police Service) in protecting the hospital, patients and staff. This issue will further be discussed with the MEC of our sister department of community safety, security and liaison,” said Manzini.
It was reportedly agreed during the meeting that psychologists will administer counseling to the staff, patients and the security guards who were on duty when the incident occurred.
The department of health said that no one was harmed during the shocking attack, although some staff members and patients reported that their accessories were stolen.
It was reported that no arrests were made so far.
