COVID-19 Vaccination Teams Attacked & Robbed in Soshanguve & Kagiso

A group of at least five armed suspects have attacked the Tshwane District vaccination team in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

It is understood the criminals robbed the healthworkers at gunpoint on Saturday at the Wonder City Taxi Rank.

The Gauteng Health Department has condemned the incident.

Spokesperson Kwarra Kekana said: “The perpetrators fled with vaccination programme gadgets which consist of three tablets, one smart phone and six cellphones belonging to the team.”

Last month a West Rand Health District Services bakkie was hijacked with mobile site equipment and gazebos in Chamdor, Kagiso.

Cases of robbery for both incidents have been opened at Soshanguve and Kagiso police stations.

Kekana says no health workers were harmed in the incidents and counselling will be provided to the affected staff.

“These senseless acts occurred at a time when the province is ramping up the vaccination programme by activating more vaccination sites in all the districts in order to vaccinate as many people as possible.Our healthcare workers remain the backbone of the health system, even during the pandemic as they continue to play a pivotal role in terms of vaccination programme rollout.”

Kekana have called on members of the public to come forward with any information they might have on the two incidents.