A criminal case has been opened against an official from Gqeberha’s Provincial Hospital, accused of involvement in the illegal sale of medical equipment, including crutches and wheelchairs valued at about R130,000.
The stolen items were discovered at a scrap yard in Kariega.
Health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said a case had been reported to the police.
The official has been suspended but has not yet been arrested.
Manana said the law must now take its course
“These stolen items are meant for the destitute.
“A person who is in a position of trust decides to deny the poor their right to dignity by stealing is strongly condemned by the department,” he said.
The discovery was made earlier this month after private investigators conducted a two-month-long surveillance operation and slowly gathered evidence to warrant a search of the premises.
The cache of medical equipment included wheelchairs, big and small aluminium walkers for adults and children, walking sticks, and two large bags.
The manager of the Kariega scrap dealership was arrested but later released after the case was not enrolled at the town’s magistrate’s court.
He said the allegations were false, saying this was not the first time the police had investigated him for alleged stolen medical equipment.
Police spokesperson Brig Nobunti Gantana said the matter was still under investigation.
“The case is still being investigated further in terms of the requirements set by the NPA before it can be enrolled,” she said.
“Furthermore, a theft case was opened at SAPS Mount Road on June 4 for the equipment that was stolen from the legal owner.
“No arrests have been made in that case yet,” she said.
Both cases are still under investigation.
The Herald
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