The Eastern Cape Department of Health has verified that the closure of the N2 and R61 roads has impacted hospital services in and around Mthatha.
According to a government statement, “staff from Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional, and St Barnabas Hospital who worked the night shift could not go home, while those who were supposed to report for duty could not get to work because of the blocked roads.”
This comes after cab violence broke out and all of Mthatha’s main entry and departure ports were shut.
The cab drivers are said to have taken over trucks and blocked both sides of the N2 and R61 roads with them.
According to reports, the authorities’ crackdown on the cab operators came after a violent outburst last week.
Since then, the moves have compelled hospitals to run on a very low staffing level.
“Those who are expected to be on duty will report to work to relieve those who worked the night shift as soon as the roads reopen.
“Since ambulances cannot reach Mthatha due to blocked roads, patients in dire need of higher level care cannot receive it.”
The department stated that it would move patients via aeromedical services in an emergency.
In an attempt to restore order, law enforcement is on the scene and receiving assistance from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), according to Unathi Binqose, a spokeswoman for the Eastern Cape Transport Department.
He remarked, “Unfortunately, it has affected just about everything, including schools and airports.”
Law enforcement is working hard to maintain control of the situation, therefore those traveling to, from, or through the Mthatha area are asked to either postpone their trip or stay away from the town.
Meanwhile, after bullets were fired at members of Mthatha Vispol and Public Order Policing on Monday morning, five individuals were taken into custody, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Three individuals were taken into custody and two of them suffered injuries. Additionally, two weapons were seized. According to the SAPS statement, a case of attempted murder and gun possession has been opened for additional investigation.
According to SAPS, situational awareness is being monitored in Mthatha by Public Order Policing, the National Intervention Unit, and Tactical Response Teams.
Since then, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has sent out a strong warning to anyone disseminating statements and films that seem to encourage disturbance.
Such acts are against the law in addition to being reckless. Mene issued a warning, saying, “We will take strong action against anyone found to be involved in activities that endanger the public’s safety and security as well as the integrity of the electoral process.”
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