TWO men were killed in a shooting at King Edward VIII Hospital in the early hours of this morning.
According to Captain Pumzile Makaula, communications officer at Umbilo SAPS, three men who are alleged to be former staff from the hospital and are believed to be on strike, attacked a security guard at about 2.15am this morning.
“One suspect was a former security guard and the other two were cleaners. The three suspects acted in contravention of a protection order and attacked a security guard at gate four. One of the men shot the security guard in his foot which caused the guard to retaliate and return fire, fatally shooting the suspect.
“Hospital security guards chased the other two suspects and shot at one suspect, killing him, while the third was found near the Congella sportsground where he was arrested.
Makuala said Umbilo police are investigating cases of murder, an inquest, contravention of a protection order, possession of illegal firearm and attempted murder.
Meanwhile KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has condemned the incident. He also praised the guards for being alert at all hours.
The MEC said besides the security guard who had been shot by the suspects, a nurse was also assaulted while walking from the matron’s office to the transport department.
“This is a very unfortunate and unnecessary incident. I would like to once again urge any aggrieved individuals to desist from perpetrating acts of violence, and instead follow the appropriate channels, using recognised labour formations to air their grievances,” he said.
“We also wish to call upon law enforcement authorities to work to ensure that people who break the law, or those behind acts of sabotage, are apprehended and made to face the full might of the law.”
