Everson Luhanga & Lungani Zungu
While fires were raging at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, thugs took their chance and robbed the hospital of valuable equipment.
Ten desktop computers, three laptops, six plasma TVs and a fridge are among the items stolen when the hospital burnt down in April.
MEC for Health Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi has pleaded with the police to leave no stone unturned when arresting culprits.
She asked the public to come forward with any information that might help the police to make arrests.
Her Department’s spokesperson Kwara Kekana confirmed that a case of theft was opened at the Hillbrow police station on Tuesday.
She said the management noticed when the fire had been doused that equipment, including computers, had been stolen.
Despite the loss of computers he assured former and current patients that no important information would be compromised.
The security personnel have been redeployed to their original positions except in areas that were still declared unsafe.
The fire is believed to have started in a storeroom for surgical items.
According to officials, the fire caused damage worth millions.
The police urged people with information about the theft to go to their nearest police station and report the culprits.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele confirmed that a case of business burglary was opened. Makhubele said the matter was under investigation.
“The case was opened after goods worth millions of rand were stolen during the burglary at the hospital. No suspects were arrested,” he said.
