Criminality remains a threat to citizens’ right to access to health care

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is appalled by the robbing of security staff at Gugulethu Community Health Centre in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 13 June 2023.

Two persons, one in a wheelchair and the other pushing him, gained access to the premises by impersonating patients seeking health care. As soon as security guards opened the gate, they pulled out their guns and held them up. Two more robbers then entered the premises. The four criminals then proceeded to rob the security guards. Soon afterwards they left and thankfully did not reach the trauma unit where the staff and patients were. No one was hurt physically. However, the trauma such actions leave on the victims is long-lasting. Everyone at the facility has been offered counselling and will continue to be supported in their emotional recovery.

We condemn any form of crime, even more so when criminals prowl on sick and frail. A health facility is a place of healing where those in need of medical care go. This should not, in any society, be seen as an easy target for criminals. This attack was clearly a pre-planned attack on vulnerable parts in the community. They are a danger to society and should be prosecuted by the justice system. The department has handed over the CCTV footage to the South African Police Service (SAPS), which we hope will lead to the speedy arrest of these criminals. The department invests heavily in its security annually to enable access to safe and dignified health services.

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, added: "I condemn this incident in the strongest terms possible. Our health facilities are essential assets to our communities where residents can seek proper healthcare in a safe environment. These actions not only undermine our facilities' ability to function, but also place our staff and patients' lives in danger. I hope that the SAPS prioritises this case and ensures that the perpetrators face the full consequences of the law."

While we do as much as we can to keep our staff and clients safe, we also need our communities to raise the alarm if they become aware of threats to their health service. We all have the right to health service, and we need to work together in protecting this service that is there for you. These incidents have far-reaching implications as it means that traumatized staff are unable to go back to work before they are fully recovered emotionally, which in turn means there might be fewer health care workers who can attend to the sick.

Should you become aware of any possible criminal threat to your health service, please inform the local SAPS or the facility manager immediately. The health service is there for you, let us work together in protecting it for everyone.