Eastern Cape Department of Health
Health services at the Kwazakhele Clinic in Gqeberha have ground to a halt due to safety concerns in the area.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health, community members informed healthcare workers about possible criminality targeting the facility on Wednesday.
The closure of the Kwazakhele Clinic follows a spate of armed robberies at various clinics in the metro in the past three months.
Department spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase said people who usually get primary healthcare services from the Kwazakhele Clinic are receiving services at nearby facilities.
"The department condemns the targeting of healthcare facilities and workers with the contempt it deserves.
"We would also like to thank the community for alerting healthcare workers of the possible crime.
"This has saved the workers from potential harm and trauma," said Ndamase.
On 22 August, armed suspects pounced on the Joe Slovo Clinic in Kwadwesi.
Five armed suspects first robbed the security guards at the gate of two cell phones.
According to a police statement issued at the time, they then proceeded into the clinic building, fired a gunshot into the ceiling, and robbed the nursing staff of another five cell phones.
No persons were injured in the incident and no arrests were made.
Ndamase confirmed that the department will first assess the situation at the Kwazakhele Clinic with law enforcement agencies before the clinic is reopened.
