Copper thieves cut off private hospital
“Telkom is currently trying to rectify the situation, but unfortunately no incoming or outgoing calls can be made to or from the hospital.”
The telephone lines connecting to MediClinic Newcastle have been stolen.
According to reports, copper thieves struck this weekend, effectively cutting off a service essential to the day to day functions of the hospital.
Mariette Classen, Manager of Network Marketing and Client Service confirmed the hospital has been without functioning telephone lines since Sunday, June 29.
“This has not been the first incident of its kind,” she said. “Telkom is currently trying to rectify the situation, but unfortunately no incoming or outgoing calls can be made to or from the hospital.”
Cable theft is an ongoing concern nationally and locally, with almost R5 billion worth of non-ferrous metals being stolen every year, of which copper is the largest contributor.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused,” said Mrs Classen. “We advise the public to contact their family members who are currently hospitalised via their cell phones, if possible.”
