Klopperpark Clinic targeted by thugs

Criminals put community well-being and wellness at risk after they ransacked the Klopperpark Clinic, reportedly on March 9 at about midnight.

With the matter under investigation, the Bedfordview SAPS communication officer, Sergeant Lillian Modiga, said a case of business robbery was opened.

According to Ward 92 Clr Kade Kade Guerreiro, the criminals tied up the security guard on duty, who was only found on the morning of March 10.

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He said it is suspected the perpetrators gained access into the building through its roof and escaped after damaging one of the security gates.

“Whoever got into the clinic ransacked the facility. The staff have had to repack and clean as best they could to ensure it can operate.”

The clinic was closed on March 10 after the burglary.

“The clinic has resumed operations. It is the only one servicing the greater area,” said Guerreiro.

He said, on average, 300 community members use the clinic daily.

According to Guerreiro, the criminals stole various items, including appliances, medical equipment, computers and monitors.

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At the time of publication, it was unknown if the criminals stole medication, but it is suspected they did.

“The pharmacy was broken into, and staff were trying to determine and catalogue what medication was taken,” said Guerreiro.

Judging from the amount of items taken, Guerreiro suspects a vehicle was used to commit the crime.

Following the burglary, Guerreiro said the CoE had visited the site, delivered new ceiling boards and repaired the damaged doors.

He said one of the clinic’s challenges is only having one security guard. That unarmed guard is responsible for the clinic’s security and the nearby community hall and public swimming pool.

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The clinic staff told Guerreiro the facility’s alarm has not worked for many years, and the lighting around it does not work either.

The facility reportedly does not have a camera system.

A disappointed Guerreiro said this incident was a blow to the community.

“It is hard to know that a facility that assists the most vulnerable has been negatively affected by crime. The challenge now comes in determining whether or not the clinic will recover from this,” said Guerreiro.

He said that besides the theft, the clinic must now capture patient data.

“Staff now have to manually record the details of all patients seeking assistance from the clinic. Previously, all information was on the computers.”

Klopperpark community member and Ward 92 committee member of the environmental portfolio, Jenny Moss, said she was shocked by the crime.

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“It makes you question what makes a person or group target a clinic that assists the community’s needs. Not only does it set the clinic back, but it affects patients. We don’t need this.”

Guerreiro said in addition to alerting the SAPS, the EMPD the city’s Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department, the Real Estate Department and the Health Department were also notified.

A request for comment was sent to the CoE and the EMPD on March 12, requesting comment by March 14 at 13:00.