‘We pray we are not killed’

THE recent CCTV footage which captured a man being brutally attacked and robbed by knife-wielding men at a medical practice has sparked fear and concern about safety at doctors’ rooms.

However, according to general practitioners, opportunistic criminals have been targeting doctors and patients for years due to their vulnerability.

Dr Sanjay Nandlal, whose practice is in Tongaat, said it was impossible for medics to fully protect themselves.

“For many years doctors have been targeted by criminals, mainly because it has become so easy for criminals to get into a practice.

“They will fill out a form pretending to be a patient and once inside the doctor’s room, they pull out a gun or knife, and rob them.

“While there may be CCTV cameras, automated gates or even security guards, these cannot compete with a man carrying a gun. We are now living in a time where we have to just pray that we are not killed,” he said.

A Chatsworth-based doctor, who requested anonymity, said they were forced to keep their guard up at all times.

“As a female doctor, you are also more vulnerable to becoming a victim of other crimes. Further to this, doctors and their practices are definitely seen as ‘gold mines’ as there is that assumption that there is a lot of money kept on the premises, which is not true.

“It is sad that we have to work and live in fear, especially when we are serving a community, but this is the reality in South Africa.

“I always said no matter what business you have and even in your own home, you have to keep your guard up and protect yourself, family or staff,” she said.