Clinic closes after attempted gang-related attack
Th closure of both Wentworth and Merebank clinics due to staff requiring counselling after witnessing two separate gang-related incidents, has once again highlighted the ripple effect that the ongoing drug turf war has on the lives of residents, who are caught in the violence.
ON March 30, eight men armed with guns and knives, tried to storm through the clinic gates and were threatening to kill a patient, who had been visiting the clinic, forcing the facility to close its doors and send scores of patients home without healthcare or medication.
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Community leaders concerned about the surge in violent criminal behaviour among gangs, which has claimed several innocent lives, urge authorities to act in the best interests of law-abiding residents who live in fear and had no access to healthcare over the two days the clinics were closed.
Merebank Clinic board member, Yusuf Vawda said, “From the facts gathered at the scene, we could establish that a person was followed to the clinic and upon arrival, he was chased by the armed men and ran into the clinic.
“The patient managed to fight off a few of the assailants by himself. The vigilant security guard, who noticed that the men were about to enter the clinic, quickly closed the gates to stop them from entering,” Vawda said.
The patient, who is believed to be linked to illicit drug activity, ran into a nurse’s office and locked himself in the office with her. The guard managed to disarmed one of the men. A blood stained knife was left behind at the scene.
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“The guard must be hailed a hero. She single-handedly stopped a disaster from unfolding. There were many women and children during the incident and she said that all she could think of was safeguarding them from a possible shooting. We will be liaising with the security company to facilitate counseling for the security guard.
“Staff from Wentworth Clinic were sent for counseling after the incident, and the clinic was closed for the day, forcing patients to return at a later stage, leading them to incur further costs. Something needs to be done to address the gang violence as many elderly residents were affected,” added Vawda.
Community leader, Tracey Williams, said a shooting incident, which forced Wentworth Clinic to close its doors, a week ago, affected ill patients who needed to collect their medication.
“We are tired of our pleas falling on deaf ears. We need a state of emergency to be declared in Wentworth as we cannot continue to live under these circumstances,” Williams said.
The Merebank Residents Association’s safety and security liaison officer, Nerish Singh, thanked the security guard for her heroic efforts and was grateful that the incident at Merebank Clinic was not tragic.
A comment from Wentworth police could not be obtained at the time of going to print.
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