Protesters assault WF Knobel Hospital staff and vandalise property

LIMPOPO – THe MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has expressed her disappointment in the conduct of residents from Ga-Ramoshwane following the attack on staff of WF Knobel Hospital, earlier today (Monday, 8 March).

The incident is part of ongoing service delivery protests in the area in which residents blockaded the roads to the hospital and denied healthcare workers and emergency vehicles to enter or exit the premises.

Protesters are apparently aggrieved about the conditions of the roads in their area, and entered the hospital premises earlier today, vandalized the property and attacked staff, Ramathuba said in a statement. She added that staff were forced to lock themselves in the kitchen and theatre for their own safety.

“As things stand, patients have not been seen by doctors or receive their routine medication. Patients did not receive their meals. The department is in the process of evacuating patients to nearby hospitals,” she said. She further warned those who are leading the protest action to stop. “Should there be casualties in the hospital due to this deliberate deprivation of healthcare services, they will bear full responsibility.”

Neil Shikwambana, Departmental Spokesperson told Review that the main focus of the department is to secure the safety of their patients and staff. No cases have been opened at the local police station as yet.

Meanwhile, reports of protest action on the R567 road between Ga-Rametlwana and Maupye (Moletjie Ceres) have also been received. Incidents of stone throwing has been indicated and motorists are advised to avoid the area.