The West Rand District Health Department has strongly condemned a recent break-in at one of the clinics in Kagiso, revealing they had suffered a major financial loss and that items had been stolen. Service delivery has also been affected as a result.
A statement from the West Rand District Health Department’s communications department explained that on January 15 there was a break-in at the Maki Legwete Clinic in Extension 12 in Kagiso.
Read initial article here: Robbers target Kagiso clinic: Guards held at gunpoint, computers stolen
The security officers on duty were held hostage at gunpoint and tied up. The robbers then broke through the burglar bars and wooden doors at the back of the clinic. They also damaged sections of the ceiling in the reception area and dry dispensary room.
They probably were looking for a possible alarm system and ended up damaging telephone and computer network cables.
A white Toyota Quantum without number plates was used to transport the following stolen items:
• 15 computers
• Three computer mice
• Three computer keyboards
• 11 CPUs
• One bar fridge
• Rapid testing kits (used for verifying HIV status)
• Insulin vials for emergency use
• One mirror
• SVS tablets
The statement said this would affect services as the stolen computer equipment was used for capturing and storing patient information, reporting and referring patients.
Most of the administrative work is done digitally and this burglary severely compromised the efficient running of the clinic’s health and management information system.”
The total cost as a result of the incident is estimated at R195 000 and does not include the cost of repairing the fence, broken burglar doors and locks.
When state assets are stolen or robbed it in effect comes down to robbing the community as they ultimately suffer the direct consequences in hampered health services.
“The Department of Health would like to urge the community not to buy any stolen goods but are requested to please contact the nearest police station if someone is seen selling items that were mentioned above.”
