Bomb scare thought to be prank
MBOMBELA - Emergency services personnel and the police were dispatched to Mediclinic Nelspruit last Wednesday after a bomb threat was called in. Staff and patients at the hospital were evacuated while the SAPS Explosives Unit combed the grounds for potentially lethal explosives.
According to the interim Nelspruit police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli, the call was received at about 11:00 and the SAPS reacted swiftly to evacuate employees and patients.
“The police searched the entire hospital and were unable to recover any explosive devices, leading to the conclusion that it had been a prank call,” he said.
Mdhluli cautioned the public against making these calls and added that it wasted time, energy and valuable SAPS resources that may have been used to help in real situations.
“The police are investigating where the call may have originated from in order for the perpetrator be traced to bring home the seriousness of making bogus calls.
“Acts like these hamper service delivery and the anonymous caller will be traced,” he concluded.
The Mediclinic Nelspruit corporate communication manager, Tertia Kruger, confirmed the incident and thanked law enforcement officials and emergency services for their speedy response.
“The relevant authorities were immediately on site in response. Staff and patients were moved from relevant areas to safety while authorities conducted a thorough search of the facility.
“We can confirm that no potential devices were found. Individuals were then able to return to the building once it was deemed safe to do so,” said Kruger.
She emphasised that any threat is viewed in a serious light and that the institution takes the safety of patients and staff incredibly seriously.
“Management has cooperated fully with the authorities to ensure that our facility remains safe and that we are in a position to deliver the best possible care. Mediclinic would like to thank all the supportive and emergency services which assisted on scene,” concluded Kruger.