MANZINI – Security guards are on high alert since criminals recently targeted the local clinic for antiretrovirals (ARVs).
According to a security officer who spoke to this publication, there have been several incidents in which crooks overpowered some of them and stole drugs.
In the most recent incident, she said six men tried to gain entrance to the clinic, but had to flee when the female guards screamed for help.
“It’s public knowledge that drug addicts use ARVs to mix with rat poison and come up with a very powerful drug.
These people will do anything to feed their habit.”
Echoing the guard’s claims was another security officer, Ms Lerato Mashele, stationed at Phola Ntsikazi Clinic.
“We have to be vigilant because these boys sneak in to steal the drugs and we are concerned that this may lead to shortages for people who really need the medication.
Something must be done,” Mashele added.
The theft of ARVs was not a new trend.
Last year a couple was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen ARVs worth more than R20 000.
On the other hand, HIV patients who received treatment at the local clinic, said they were no longer safe from attacks by young nyaope addicts in their townships.
We contacted the health department in a quest to establish how these thefts affected the sector. Spokesperson for health,
Mr Dumisani Malamule, said, “The department is not aware of this, but an investigation will be conducted.
We do not condone such acts and anyone found to be responsible will face the full might of the law.”
Malamule further called upon community members to report people who were taking part in such acts.
