THE lives of patients with chronic kidney disease and who rely on dialysis at the Maphutha Malatjie Hospital are at risk.
This is because villagers of Mashishimale outside Phalaborwa in Limpopo have torched the hospital’s vehicle, which is dedicated to transporting these patients’ equipment and medicine.
The incident happened during a community protest on Thursday, 2 November.
The vehicle was stopped and forcibly halted by protesting members, who then forcibly removed the staff on board and set the vehicle alight.
The incident has left the Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba angry.
She said the criminal acts demonstrated by villagers of Mashishimale have left renal patients relying on the hospital for dialysis stranded.
“This is not just a demonstration of self-hate, but both witchcraft and acts of criminality. We call upon responsible citizens to assist the police and arrest all those responsible for this barbaric act. Renal patients requiring regular dialysis risk losing their lives if they don’t receive dialysis,” said Ramathuba.
ALSO READ: Bleeding groovists: We almost lost our eyes and fingers!
Meanwhile, three trucks to the value of R2 million were torched, and their drivers were robbed of their belongings during the same community protest in Phalaborwa on Wednesday, 1 November.
This comes after villagers went on the rampage, barricading the R40 and R71 with stones, branches and burnt tyres.
Limpopo police spokesman Hlulani Mashaba said some unruly and opportunistic criminals allegedly took advantage of the protest.
“They attacked three truck drivers, ordering them out of their trucks in the process. They then searched and robbed them of their cellphones and then went on to burn their trucks,” he said.
He said they were investigating three cases of malicious property damage. “The motive behind the incident is unknown at this stage. Police investigations are underway. No one has been arrested yet,” he said.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects involved should contact Detective Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Freddie Lubbe on 082 573 3601.
Mashaba could not confirm whether the torching of the hospital vehicle and the three trucks are related or not at this stage.
