Services at the Chiawelo Community Health Centre’s emergency unit had to be temporarily suspended and security has since been beefed up after healthcare workers at the facility were robbed early on Tuesday morning.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has since condemned the incident and appealed to the community to assist police to trace the suspects.

Just after 01:00, a group of unknown men impersonating crime prevention wardens gained entry to the facility by pretending to seek emergency medical assistance.

The robbers then took personal items from both medical staff and security guards.

One of the workers managed to escape unnoticed and called the police. On their arrival at the facility around 01:45, the robbers had already fled the scene.

A case of armed robbery was opened at the Moroka Police Station.

GDoH spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said these types of crime jeopardises the safety of healthcare workers and disrupts the provision of much-needed healthcare services to the community.

The GDoH called on the community to work with law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.

“The department understands the fears and concerns expressed by staff members in the aftermath of this incident.

“We have put measures in place to strengthen the security protocols at the facility, including the deployment of additional security personnel and the improvement of the surveillance system.

“Services at the facility have since resumed after they were temporarily suspended to allow the police to do their work and to engage further with staff,” said Modiba.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said a case of business robbery has been opened.

“The victims were robbed of their items including cellphones and wallets. No one has been arrested yet.

“Investigations continue and police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can assist in the investigation to phone the nearest police station or police number crime,” said Masondo.