The Gauteng Health department confirmed, in a statement, the arrest of a suspect who was nabbed attempting to steal steel copper cables and other state-of-the-art equipment from AngloGold Ashanti Hospital, in Carletonville.
AngloGold hospital equipment saved by vigilant security
The healthcare facility, which was initially built to provide auxiliary support in the Gauteng region by housing COVID-19 patients, stood vacant since 31 March 2022.
The plan, the provincial health department notes, was to move the state-of-the-art equipment out of the decommissioned centre and into public hospitals in the area.
However, it seems, a group of thieves almost beat them to the punch. If it was not for the vigilance of security officials, the suspects would have made off with millions worth of equipment.
Security officials immediately alerted police when three suspects were caught loading copper cables, gas stoves, monitors, mattresses, x-ray machines and other items stolen from AngloGold hospital, into a canopy-less bakkie.
Two suspects managed to flea on foot, while the third was taken down.
“The GDoH’s asset management is on site undertaking an inventory of both moveable and non-moveable assets to ascertain the extend of the damage and theft and to allow for remaining equipment to be relocated as planned,” the department noted.
The suspect has been charged with theft. His two accomplices, it’s believed, may be still at large.
“The Gauteng Department of Health condemns the act of theft and vandalism. This robs the public of much needed and valuable healthcare equipment critical for the provision of services to communities,” the department concluded.
