Increase Security At State Hospitals

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MR VELAPHI NDLOVU MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON FOR SAFETY & SECURITY

October 31, 2006

The Inkatha Freedom Party is calling on Government to take drastic and urgent steps to upgrade security at hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, said Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP, the Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson on Safety and Security, today.

"The IFP regrettably notes that our health professionals have now become the latest targets of criminals, with mugging and hijacking incidents being reported at several hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal," said Mr Ndlovu.

"It seems people are not being checked because they're patients and visitors. Hospitals then become a happy hunting ground for criminals as they walk onto hospital grounds with knives and guns unchecked. This is totally unacceptable, because our health professionals can't save lives when their own lives are under threat.

In conclusion Mr Ndlovu said: "Clearly this is a serious situation that needs urgent attention and we call on the Safety and Security Minister, Charles Nqakula, to meet with these hospitals, so that they can come up with plans on how to upgrade security immediately. It is crucial that our nurses and doctors are able to perform their important tasks in safe environments."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP: 083 625 0803
Liezl van der Merwe 083 611 7470