Two medical doctors, both males, are recovering from severe injuries, which include a gunshot wound, at the Mofumahali Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, in the Free State. They were attacked by armed robbers last night – Tuesday, 21 May.
One of the doctors, a 26-year-old, was shot in the abdomen and the other hit on the head with a crowbar. They were reportedly robbed at the doctors apartments, which is in the hospital precinct. The Qwaqwa police have since launched a manhunt for the armed robbers.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State’s Department of Health, said the practitioner with the gunshot wound was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) while the other was treated for head injuries.
“None of his vital organs were affected during the shooting incident, and he is recovering in the ICU,” said Mvambi.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the police in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region, said after shooting the practitioner, the brazen robbers took the victim’s cellphone and fled the scene on foot. He said the two doctors were attacked at about 21:30.
“It is alleged that two male robbers broke into the room of the other doctor. One suspect was in possession of a firearm and another in possession of a crowbar. The 26-year-old doctor, who was in his bedroom, heard a sound and his roommate called out to him several times. He looked at the door and noticed his roommate was bleeding. The doctor with the gunshot wound was helped to casualty by his roommate to receive medical attention,” said Mophiring. He said cases of house robbery and attempted murder are being investigated.
The provincial MEC for Health, Mathabo Leeto, has strongly condemned the ruthless attack of the doctors. “All life is precious and violent crime is a negative indicator to our development as a country. The incident will be thoroughly investigated, so that we can take further steps to tighten security into our health facilities. We thank God for preserving the life of our doctor,” said Leeto.
