Two suspects killed by victim in brazen attempted robbery at clinic
TWO robbers were shot and killed after an attempted robbery of construction workers tarring the parking area of a City clinic in NY3 in Gugulethu yesterday.
Police said one of the victims fired at the suspects, killing both.
Spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said: “The suspects held construction workers at gunpoint at a construction site, opposite the Gugulethu mall at about 10am, demanding cash and cellphones.
“One of the victims allegedly fired shots at the suspects with his licensed firearm, fatally wounding both.
“Gugulethu police are investigating a business robbery and opened an inquest for further investigation. A firearm recovered on the scene will be sent for ballistic testing.”
The City said the clinic had to be temporarily closed to allow police to conduct their investigation and the facility's staff to receive a trauma debriefing.
Mayco member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien said patients and staff who were inside the facility at the time will be assisted and trauma counselling provided.
“Our health staff have become the targets of hijackings, robbery and abuse. This latest shooting is in addition to the incidents that have already taken place at Weltevreden Valley Clinic, Crossroads 1, and Mzamomhle clinic.
“The clinic has security guards but the facility remains a public place for those in need and should not have to be subjected to criminal activity.
“It is appalling that the lives of the very people who serve our communities and who have stayed standing amidst a pandemic are disregarded.
“Nurses and doctors are the fabric that holds us together during this trying time and to put their lives at risk, especially now when we need them most, is condemned in the strongest terms.”
Badroodien added that patients can access services at the Vuyani and Masincedane clinics for their healthcare needs.
Gugulethu Development Forum (GDF) secretary Vincent Domingo condemned the robbery which caused disruptions to service delivery.
“It's sad when the very same facilities that are meant to provide relief and refuge for residents get targeted.
“A clinic is a place where people go for assistance and we condemn the robbery in the strongest form and call for stricter security measures to be put in place.”
Last month, the City's contractor staff were once again attacked and robbed of their belongings while providing overpumping services at the vandalised Site B pump station in Khayelitsha.
Due to the incident, the mobile pump on site was temporarily removed as a precautionary safety measure to ensure the interim equipment was not vandalised.