Security at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital must be tightened, according to DA’s Jack Bloom

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for tighter security at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital after yet another major theft of copper cables.

According to Jack Bloom, the DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, earlier this year, copper cables worth R3 million had been stolen from above an operating theatre at the hospital.

“This follows the theft last year of copper cables worth R30 million and equipment worth R200 000 from the hospital.”

He highlighted the repeated theft of copper cables robbed the State of money that should be used for healthcare.

Bloom added that these thefts occurred despite spending millions every year at the hospital which was supposed to have functioning security cameras at key locations.

“I suspect there has been inside collusion with these thefts, but whatever the reason, the security company has to be held accountable.”

He added there was a need for new security contracts at the hospital to stop these thefts and protect staff and patients.

In response, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital spokesperson Tabudi Madisha said they have opened a case of theft at the Hillbrow Police Station and the South African Police Service is investigating the matter.

He said the recent thefts had a minimal impact as there was no postponement of any operations in the theatre except for delays in starting times.

“The Gauteng Department of Health has undertaken a review of security measures across all facilities with the view to strengthening the state of security, which includes the deployment of integrated measures such as the use of technology.”

The spokesperson for the Hillbrow Police Station Constable Mduduzi Zondo confirmed a case had been opened with them and couldn’t share more details as the case was still under investigation.

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