Sadly, hospital staff remained on strike since early Sunday morning, again denying father and son access, referring them to eMalahleni for treatment.

The duo went to the hospital for the youngster to get stitches when hospital staff suddenly went on strike yesterday around 09:00.

Staff refused to work or assist patients after violence broke out at the hospital during the Saturday night shift. Hospital staff claims that the door to the casualty ward had been broken down by “acquaintances of an assault victim”.

After breaking down the door to gain entry to casualties, the troublemakers proceeded to assault nurses and security guards, some of them bleeding from the assault.

No one was seriously injured but as news spread of the violent brawl, hospital staff refused to work, demanding heightened protection from the Department of Health.

All patients were referred to eMalahleni Hospital shortly after 09:00 Sunday, with ambulance services instructed to transport patients to eMalahleni.

Family of the assault victim told www.mobserver.co.za later on Sunday that it was his girlfriend accompanied by others, who made trouble and not the family. They said “we cannot choose all of our family members, he chose his own path”.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has confirmed the incident, adding that reports of a shooting, needed to be verified.

The department however acknowledged that some staff members had been injured and that the incident is being investigated.

Do you have a news lead?

Contact our editorial office on 013 243 1434 or our standby number for emergencies on 072 248 3855 to share your story with us.

Follow us on the Middelburg Observer Facebook group or page or send a whatsapp to 072 248 3855 with the words “add me” for the latest news.

Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.

Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.

A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).