DURBAN - eThekwini municipality has announced that the Bester Clinic in Ntuzuma will remain closed today after healthcare staff were robbed at gunpoint yesterday afternoon.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said yesterday, at 3pm, three armed men entered the clinic situated at Bester and robbed the staff of cellphones.
“The suspects fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported. The matter is still under investigation,” she said.
eThekwini municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela, said for medical assistance, the public could visit the Inanda Seminary Clinic in the interim.
“The Bester Clinic in Ntuzuma will remain closed today, October 6, following an incident where clinic staff were robbed at gunpoint yesterday afternoon,” he said.
eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda condemned the attack on the healthcare staff.
He said the culprits must be brought to book, and urged communities to protect healthcare facilities as they provide an essential service.
“It is disheartening that staff are working hard to meet the healthcare needs of residents but are then attacked in the same communities,” he said.
The mayor said this was a planned attack on staff and the healthcare facility.
“We cannot allow this to continue as healthcare workers provide a valuable service. Communities need to stand up and work with the police to put a stop to this behaviour by not protecting the culprits,” said Kaunda.
The city said police are investigating the incident while the municipality assesses the situation, including the emotional wellbeing of staff.
Police said a case of armed robbery is being investigated by Ntuzuma SAPS.
THE MERCURY