Clinic closed as gangs disrupt Elsies River

A FLARE-UP in gang violence has lead to the closure of the clinic at Leonsdale, Elsies River.

On April 19 the clinic, that operated three days a week, had to be closed as the staff were concerned about their safety as gang violence in the area increased.

Community activist Imraahn Mukaddam said it has been a month since the facility was closed “and the clients will be affected a lot as we are approaching winter”.

“It is a major inconvenience for the community of Leonsdale since they have to walk 1km to the Elsies River clinic, and we already feel the winter cold. Gang violence not only destroys families but affects basic services, especially to children who are the most vulnerable.This also means that people we have to wait longer to be assisted at the Elsies River clinic as there will be long lines.

“We understand why the staff were complaining and feared for their lives, cause Elsies can be an unsafe environment to work in. The clinic being closed is an indication of how we need police visibility in the area and there are too many firearms and not enough arrests made. As the community we also need to work with the police,”

‘LEONSDALE CLINIC’S CLIENTS WILL BE AFFECTED A LOT AS WE ARE APPROACHING WINTER.’

Mukaddam said.

Mayoral committee member for Area Central, councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli, said:”A decision was made to close the Leonsdale facility as a result of safety concerns linked to a flare-up in gang violence. The facility reopened to the public on Wednesday May 17. As Leonsdale is only a satellite facility, clients are directed to Elsies River on two days of the week. On these days, the staff who service Leonsdale also work from Elsies River.”

Mamkeli said the city regretted any inconvenience as a result of the temporary closure of Leonsdale, “but the reality is that there were staff on hand at Elsies River to help with any increased client numbers.

When the Cape Argus called Leonsdale Clinic, it went to voicemail.