Medics in gang crossfire

Gang violence in Manenberg and surrounding areas on the Cape Flats has taken its toll on health workers who face threats to their lives in the line of duty.

Authorities have taken drastic security measures to protect demoralised staff, including installing bulletproof windows.

A spike in violence prompted urgent intervention by Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula this week.

After a paramedic was stabbed last year when gangsters tried to steal medication from an ambulance, emergency vehicles do not go anywhere in Manenberg without a police escort, says Llewellyn Adams, a community policing forum spokesman.

The inadequate police presence in Manenberg - which the SAPS only rectified at times of increased gang violence - sometimes prevented emergency vehicles reaching those who needed them, he said.

Police escorts often had to leave the scene as they are understaffed, said a paramedic who asked not to be named.

"It is scary when you go out in Manenberg," he said. "You don't know the place so one mistake or taking one wrong road would mean ending up in a dangerous narrow alley.

"When a gangster gets shot the danger is driving out with him in the vehicle. The rival gang starts shooting at the ambulance or they will stop it."

Medical facilities have also been forced to beef up security or even close temporarily due to gang threats.

Gang violence in the township disrupted services at the city-run Manenberg Clinic in May last year. "The gangs are effectively holding us hostage," mayoral committee member for health Siyabulela Mamkeli said at the time.

Clients were "unable to honour their appointments as they fear for their safety", he said.

Elsies River Day Hospital closed temporarily in February, suspending emergency services after two guards were stabbed late at night.

Hanover Park Clinic was closed from November 2015 until January this year due to safety concerns over gang violence.

Besides security guards, the city had invested in security measures such as bulletproof windows, metal detectors and alarm systems, Mamkeli said yesterday.

"It is very difficult to keep staff motivated in situations like these," he said. "One of our biggest challenges is retaining staff or filling vacancies in areas plagued by high levels of crime."