Guard knifed as hospital is looted

23 October 2014 - 02:29 By Penwell Dlamini
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SECURITY WANTING: Security at the old Natalspruit Hospital in Katlehong, on the East Rand, is getting worse as guards are attacked and steel gates stolen
SECURITY WANTING: Security at the old Natalspruit Hospital in Katlehong, on the East Rand, is getting worse as guards are attacked and steel gates stolen
Image: MOELETSI MABE

The main side gate has been stolen and other infrastructure is vanishing from the old Natalspruit Hospital in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, as the security situation deteriorates.

Yesterday, a security guard posted to ward off thieves was attacked and injured. A week ago, the Gauteng department of infrastructure development took responsibility for the property from the health authorities and announced stringent measures to secure the hospital, which was officially decommissioned in August.

It has been vandalised by scrap metal thieves, who pounce on the guards in groups of up to 100.

Head of department Bethuel Netshiswinzhe said a fence would be erected to prevent further break-ins and that more guards would be brought in.

But there were shocking scenes at the old hospital yesterday.

Guards still had not been paid despite previous assurances from Netshiswinzhe that remuneration was forthcoming.

Some had stopped coming to work while others remained, still hoping for payment but in a precarious situation despite the presence of police patrols.

A guard was hospitalised after being attacked by thieves wielding knives and throwing stones.

"How am I supposed to continue working here?" asked one guard. "My life is in danger. I have to chase after thugs who are armed and I can lose my life for nothing."

The main entrance was closed but scrap metal thieves stole the steel gate on Monday night, providing easy access to the property.

"These people come in droves of 50 armed with knives. We do not even have guns to fire a warning shot so they throw stones at us," another guard said. He said the thieves arrived late at night and very early in the morning when fewer guards patrolled the facility.

Other damage included:

  • A boom gate that has been uprooted;
  • A security booth that had its roof ripped off;
  • Electric poles that have been cut down; and
  • Manholes on the driveway that have been removed.

Rocks strewn on the ground were testimony to the battle fought between the guards and thieves the night before.

Department spokesman Mbangwa Xaba said: "We are confident that all issues relating to the Natalspruit Hospital will be resolved at our meeting with the community [today]."

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