Western Cape Government Health has condemned an armed robbery that took place at Retreat Community Health Centre (CHC) on Sunday, resulting in the closure of the facility for a few hours.
Police spokesman Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed the incident and says three suspects robbed a couple of their cellphones.
“A robbery is under investigation by Steenberg police following an incident this [yesterday] morning at around [midnight] in 11th Ave Cafda Village, Steenberg.
“The victim and his wife were robbed of three cellular telephones and cash by three suspects who are yet to be arrested.”
Services have since resumed at the centre.
“We are deeply distressed at the criminal attack on our security staff and community members as this continues to add additional psychological trauma and strain on our staff, who continue to fight the pandemic during this second wave of Covid-19,” the WCGH said in a statement.
Emergency health services at Retreat CHC will temporarily only be available from 7am to 5pm today.
All emergencies after 5pm will be diverted to Victoria Hospital, but the MOU (Midwife Obstetrics Unit) will remain open for 24 hours per day.
Henry Moses, chairperson of the Retreat Community Health Centre Health Committee, says: “We are very disappointed to see that the clinic has been robbed for a second time.”
Mark Solomons, from the Retreat Steenberg Civic Association, adds: “We are in the process of partnering with the facility in their efforts to strengthen and sustain security measures and appeal to our community to roll up their sleeves and join us in doing so. Without this facility in our community, many members of our community will suffer.”