Clinic employees injured by angry protestors
Eight employees got injured when they wanted to perform their duties.
Eight employees of the West Rand District Health Services (WRDHS) got injured in the Magaliesburg protest riots on 21 May while trying to perform their duties.
Those employees and four others, who are stationed at the Mogale Clinic, were travelling on the Koster road when they noticed a group of protesting community members.
Sandile Gwayi, Principal Communications Officer of the West Rand District says the employees wanted to enter the clinic but the angry protestors refused them entry and threatened to burn down the clinic.
“For safety purposes the employees decided to go to the local police station, hoping that the protestors would disperse so that they could go to the clinic to render their daily services.”
After alerting management about the incident, they were advised to return to the sub district office in Krugersdorp since their safety could not be guaranteed.
“Once they had left the police station they heard stones and bricks hitting their vehicle. The protestors smashed the back window and several others of the vehicle.”
During this incident four employees, which include the professional nurses and administration clerks, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a local hospital by ambulance. The other four suffered minor injuries and were treated at the Krugersdorp Central Clinic, Gwayi confirms.
A devastated and traumatised data capturer at the clinic says the protestors’ behaviour is unfair.
“How can you wake up early in the morning wanting to help sick people and the next thing you are attacked and injured?”
Gwayi says following the incident management arranged for all the employees to be assessed and treated for trauma by a psychologist.
Puleng Muso, Director of WRDHS condemns the violent attack, saying it is unacceptable.
“The protestors instil fear in the health-care providers at the health facilities, but those workers are caring for the community, especially in the rural areas. As it is it is difficult to find professional nurses who are willing to serve in these areas.”
