By Everson Luhanga
- The officer is in critical condition after being moved to a public hospital following the private hospital’s refusal.
- A top city official has demanded the bill be paid and called for an investigation into all unpaid emergency service debts.
A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer who was shot in the line of duty was refused emergency treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital because the City of Johannesburg owes the hospital R35 million.
According to Cllr Sarah Wissler, chairperson of the City’s Public Safety Committee, the officer was later taken to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he had to wait before being treated. He is now in the ICU in critical condition.
Wissler slammed the City for failing to pay its bills, saying this put officers’ lives at risk.
“Our officers put their lives on the line for us daily. They deserve immediate care, not bureaucracy and delays,” she said.
She has escalated the matter to MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, and is demanding an urgent payment to Netcare.
Wissler also called for an investigation into all unpaid bills that could affect emergency services.
“I will personally be visiting the officer in hospital,” she added.
Pictured above: A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer who was shot in the line of duty was refused emergency treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital because the City of Johannesburg owes the hospital R35 million.
Image source: Supplied
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the MMC for Public Safety as Cllr Loyiso Masuku. The correct MMC is Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku.
