On 11 November, two suspects are said to have entered the clinic and overpowered the security guard that was on duty. The suspects then broke into the clinic and stole a Lenovo computer, two oil heaters, a flat screen TV and a cellphone. Ivory Park police are still investigating the case.
“No shots were fired,” said Warrant Officer Neldah Sekgobela, Ivory Park Police Station’s head of communication.
Dr Refik Bismilla, the executive director for the health department said, “We find it very disturbing that people are prepared to steal resources that are meant to assist in the delivery of primary healthcare services to the community.”
Bismilla said it was important for communities to participate in the safeguarding of public resources. “In most cases, the clinics have 24-hour security. While we can try to safeguard our primary healthcare facilities with additional security measures, government alone cannot win the fight against burglary and vandalism at our health facilities without the support and vigilance from members of the community as clinics are located within communities,” he said.
“Community support and action is the best deterrent for burglary and vandalism of public facilities such as clinics, hospitals, libraries and schools.”
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