Statement by the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien
The City of Cape Town’s Gugulethu Clinic is temporarily closed after a fatal shooting earlier today.
The City’s Law Enforcement and South African Police Service are on scene and details are still emerging.
The incident occurred during the attempted robbery of the company tarring the parking area of the facility.
It is not yet clear whether the person who died was a client or employed by the contractor.
Patients who were inside the facility at the time will be assisted and trauma counselling will be provided to both staff and patients.
Our Health staff have become the targets of hijackings, robbery and abuse. This latest shooting is in addition to the incidents that have already taken place at Weltevreden Valley Clinic, Crossroads 1 and Mzamomhle clinic.
The clinic has security guards but the facility remains a public place for those in need and should not have to be subjected to criminal activity.
It is appalling that the lives of the very people who serve our communities and who have stayed standing amidst a pandemic, are disregarded.
Nurses and doctors are the fabric that hold us together during this trying time and to put their lives at risk, especially now when we need them most, is condemned in the strongest terms.
The closure of the clinic is temporary while we allow for SAPS to conduct their investigation and facility staff to receive trauma debriefing, and again it is our most vulnerable who suffer.
Elderly residents, those who are ill, mothers and babies who need medication and life-saving vaccines have been deprived of a facility even if it’s for a short time.
Patients can access services at the Vuyani and Masincendane Clinics for their healthcare needs.
I call upon all residents to help protect the facility and our staff members who deliver critical services. As we enter our third wave it is crucial that residents are able to access health care services closest to them.
Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:
Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections or unlawful occupations, that are taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies
Source: City Of Cape Town