By Everson Luhanga
- Officer Mashigo Lerutwane was denied treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital due to R35-million debt owed by the city.
- He was later taken to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he waited for treatment and is now in critical condition.
The City of Johannesburg is furious after Metro Police officer Mashigo Lerutwane was turned away from Netcare Milpark Hospital while seriously injured on duty.
Scrolla.Africa reported earlier that Lerutwane was refused help because the city owes the hospital R35-million.
He was shot by criminals while working and taken to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital instead, where he had to wait before receiving help. He is now in ICU and in a critical condition.
On Friday, the city released a statement saying it was shocked by what happened and is looking into the matter.
“The City of Johannesburg is deeply saddened and distressed by the incident involving our JMPD officer who was injured while on duty,” the statement read.
It said some reports were not accurate and that it is in talks with the hospital to settle the bills.
“It is unacceptable that an officer in urgent need of medical attention would be prevented from receiving prompt care,” the city said.
It added that the health of Metro Police officers is very important, and meetings with Milpark Hospital had taken place to deal with payment processes. It also said the Department of Labour must handle injury-on-duty claims.
The city said it has launched an internal investigation to understand how this happened and promised to release a report with its findings and what steps will be taken.
“Our thoughts are with the injured officer and his family during this challenging time,” it said.
Councillor Sarah Wissler, who chairs the city’s Public Safety Committee, blamed the city’s failure to pay its bills for the officer being turned away.
“Our officers put their lives on the line for us daily. They deserve immediate care, not bureaucracy and delays,” she said.
She said she has already raised the issue with MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, and is demanding that the city urgently pay the hospital.
Wissler also called for a full investigation into all unpaid medical bills that could affect emergency workers.
“I will personally be visiting the officer in hospital,” she said.
Pictured above: Mashigo Lerutwane.
Image source: Supplied
