Mohlakeng protest: Clinic burnt, more than R1 million damage
West Rand District Health Services confirm that Mohlakeng protesters burnt the ICDM clinic with estimated damage costs standing at more than R1 million.
The West Rand Health Services have confirmed that the Integrated Chronic Disease Management Clinic (ICDM) in Mohlakeng was set on fire following a service delivery protest.
The Mental Health and Pharmacy sections were also torched. The estimated cost of the damage goes beyond R1 million.
Also Read:Â Mohlakeng protest: 11 more arrested, R28 open
As a contingency plan, patients will be diverted to nearby clinics.
The Herald reported on Wednesday, 30 May that looting, damage to properties, police shots, threats to media personnel and injuries were the order of the day in Mohlakeng.
A statement released by the West Rand Health Services on Thursday afternoon said that the ICDM clinic, which has been servicing up to 60 000 patients, was attacked and set alight.
Also Read:Â UPDATE: Mohlakeng in chaos, R28 still closed
“The protesters broke into the clinic and stole equipment, furniture and medicines. The patients’ records (files) have been completely destroyed, and medicines in the pharmacy have been affected by prolonged exposure to heat.
“We would like to appeal to the community to assist us with apprehending the culprits and to take responsibility for community assets such as clinics, as they stand to suffer most when services are disrupted by such terrible activities.”
On Thursday morning, Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson said, “A total of 16 people have been arrested. The situation has calmed down somewhat since midnight, and the R28 between Randfontein and Westonaria is now open. All the arrested persons will appear in court on Friday.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
