WHEN security guards at Klerksdorp Hospital in the North West saw a coal service provider's truck at the main entrance on Friday, 23 June, they thought it was there to offload something.
Instead, it was suspected gangsters in the truck who allegedly took the truck keys from the driver by force. According to the hospital report, the suspected gangsters were believed to be armed and expressed unhappiness over the newly appointed coal service provider.
North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has expressed serious concern over the incident. The incident is reported to have occurred when the trucks were delivering coal to Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital complex.
“The department views this incident in a serious light especially because the tender was legitimately and fairly awarded in accordance with the applicable legislation. We are calling on the South African Police Services to investigate this crime and bring to book all who are involved," said Sambatha.
The MEC said in trying to speed up service delivery and ensure that coal is always available to ensure the smooth running of the hospitals, the department has been asked to participate in an already existing coal tender.
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"This tender has already been awarded in the Free State. All the necessary processes to ascertain the validity of the tender, that it is not irregular and was awarded in accordance with the law, was done.
"Meanwhile, the incident has not affected the delivery of hospital services or prevent patients' access to the hospital and therefore, the normal operations of the hospitals are continuing," said Sambatha.
