DA calls for arrests and court order after rampage at hospital

THE DA has called on the Gauteng Department of Health to obtain a court order against protesters who trashed parts of Johannesburg’s Charlotte Maxeke Hospital last week.

“[They] should get a court interdict against this illegal action and police should arrest those who act violently‚” the DA’s Jack Bloom said.

Hospital workers affiliated to the National Education‚ Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) embarked on a strike last week over the non-payment of overtime work.

The workers‚ who include nurses and support staff like cleaners and porters‚ are also unhappy with the hospital’s failure to pay out performance bonuses.

Protesters threw litter in the hospital’s main foyer on Thursday‚ leaving medical waste and rubbish scattered on the floors.

The hospital appeared to be only half operational.

Bloom said not only hospital workers had been present during the strike action.

“Some EFF supporters were also among those who had to be expelled [by the police].

“Most of the protesters are Nehawu members‚ including nurses‚ cleaners and porters‚ but some outsiders have been involved as well.”

Bloom said he had visited the hospital on Thursday.

“Staff told me rampaging workers had gone through the wards‚ intimidating them and disrupting activities.

“Many operations have been cancelled because of a lack of clean linen,” he said.

“Their grievances may be valid‚ but trashing a hospital and endangering the safety of patients should not be allowed under any circumstances.”

Last week‚ Nehawu Gauteng deputy secretary Gracia Rikhotso said the hospital’s management and the provincial health department were not willing to speak to them.

“Workers are angry. They put in the work, but when it comes to payment there is none.” – TimesLIVE