Kimberley – A clerk at the Sol Plaatje Traffic Department was stabbed, allegedly by a co-worker, after the two women were apparently involved in an altercation at work on Tuesday afternoon.
Mediclinic Gariep spokesperson, Denise Coetzee, confirmed on Tuesday that a patient was brought into hospital for medical attention and that her condition was stable.
It is believed that the woman was stabbed around six times and sustained wounds to her head, chest and fingers.
The stabbing happened shortly before the offices closed on Tuesday.
Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, confirmed that the incident happened while the two women were on duty at work. They are both believed to be clerks in the traffic department in Phakamile Mabija Street in the CBD.
“One of the women sustained injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital,” said Matsie.
He was, however, unable to confirm the nature of her injuries or what had provoked the attack.
“The incident appears to have taken place in one of the back offices, although at this stage we are unable to say whether it was witnessed by any members of the public.”
Matsie stated that as soon as the incident happened, the manager of the section was called and he intervened.
“We are currently investigating what actually happened. If either of the employees are found to have acted outside the municipality’s code of conduct, disciplinary action will be taken.”
Matsie stated further that it was the right of either of the employees to report the incident to the police, and the municipality would support the workers in this regard.
“However, we must state that we condemn any acts of violence committed by employees. Whatever challenges people are facing, there are mechanisms and strategies to sort these out in the correct manner, without ever resorting to violence.”
He also apologised to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms such action by civil servants, who are there to serve the public and deliver on their mandate of service delivery."
“It is not certain whether the employee was admitted to hospital, as she was still being evaluated by a medical practitioner at the time of the enquiry late yesterday.”