Strand police have opened an inquest docket after the death of an officer, who collapsed after she and her sister were the victims of a mugging outside the Gustrouw Community Day Clinic (CDC) last Tuesday (4 February).
Local WhatsApp community groups were abuzz following reports of a fatal shooting at the clinic, an assertion later dismissed by police. They confirmed that the victim, Funeka Nendwana died after two suspects had allegedly mugged her and another woman.
Police further stated the two were seated in a car outside the clinic, on the corner of Hasan Khan and Pietman Dreyer Avenue.
Two men approached the vehicle and grabbed Nendwana’s cellphone and robbed her sister of her wallet, containing her bank cards. Nendwana managed to get out of the vehicle, but collapsed and succumbed on the spot.
“An inquest docket has been opened and two cases of robbery are being investigated,” said a spokesperson for Strand police.
No arrests have been made yet.
Suzan Jantjies, spokesperson for Somerset West police, confirmed Nendwana was a sergeant employed at the Somerset West Police Station.
Gustrouw CDC security and nursing staff reacted as quickly and efficiently as possible to provide the deceased with emergency medical attention. Despite their efforts, they were unfortunately unable to save her. “We wish to clarify no shooting incident had occurred outside the facility,” said Abulele Dyasi, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW). “We reported the unfortunate death to the South African Police Service in response to social-media claims that the 40-year-old had been shot or stabbed.
“The WCDHW extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the woman who sadly died outside the Gustrouw CDC. Our dedicated teams will offer counselling services to the family members and staff who have been affected by this tragic event, reflecting our commitment to caring for our community and those serving them.”
She further said Gustrouw CDC’s security would remain on high alert to prevent any further security incidents. The WCDHW will continue to work closely with safety liaison officers, neighbourhood watches, clinic committees, ward councillors, sector policing, community policing forums, and all other community structures to safeguard their patients, Dyasi said.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette has reached out to Nendwana’s family, but was unable to obtain any comment by the time of going to press.
