Limpopo doctors shot in robbery at hospital res

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All three were seriously injured during the incident at the doctors’ residence, said department spokesperson Neil Shikwambana.

He said five heavily armed men gained access to the residence early this morning and robbed occupants of their belongings. They allegedly shot the three doctors in the process.

This is one of several attacks targeting health officials at the hospitals in the province. Last month the department vowed that they were going to tighten security at its hospitals and clinics after doctors and nurses were attacked by criminals at George Masebe, Zebediela, Matlala and Helen Franz hospitals.

Affecting patients

The attacks led to Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba pleading with community members to work closely with law enforcement agencies, local police forums and security companies to ensure improved safety at public health facilities.

Shikwambana said that although the details of the attached were still sketchy, the MEC will this morning visit the hospital. Most rural clinics within the province no longer operate as 24-hour services because of the massive crime threat that is negatively affecting patients who are now no longer able to receive medical services after hours.

Last month the department confirmed that they had met with various stakeholders and had come up with a plan to curb the spread of criminal attacks on their facilities and threaten the safety of their staff and patients. – Health-e News.