THE people who attacked the clinic will soon be behind bars.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele said: “In this city we do not have space for such outrageous deeds.”
A manhunt has been launched for protesters who burnt down Phenduka Clinic and two other municipal buildings in Thokoza on Tuesday night.
The buildings were set alight by residents following a power outage in Thokoza.
Yesterday the police were following leads, according to spokesman Constable Peter Mashiane.
He said they were investigating arson and theft charges relating to the theft of computers and medication from the clinic.
Gungubele said: “We have established a high-level police task team to investigate the crime.
“We want the thugs behind bars as a matter of urgency, and the community must help us find them.”
The mayor, who visited the damaged clinic, said no person in their right mind could accept such senseless thuggery.
“I have noticed that every time people are angry about something, they turn to burning public places.
“We saw this in Vuwani and a number of other areas, and now we have to deal with the same thing happening here.
“The sad part is that when you burn a clinic or a school, the most vulnerable members of society are the ones who suffer.
“Resources that were meant to improve the general living conditions of people end up being diverted to make up for the loss.”