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The MMC for Health, Cllr Tshegofatso Mashabela, visited the COSUP Lusaka site to provide moral support to employees who were traumatised during the armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday, 05 August 2026. The visit follows the City of Tshwane’s strong condemnation of the attack on healthcare workers and its commitment to stand by those affected.
At the time of the incident, four staff members were on duty when armed criminals entered the facility and robbed them. The affected employees are currently receiving trauma counselling and psychosocial support to assist them in recovering from this distressing experience. The City of Tshwane remains committed to ensuring the wellbeing of its employees, who continue to serve communities under challenging circumstances.
During the visit, MMC Mashabela commended the resilience and dedication demonstrated by the staff despite the traumatic ordeal. She reaffirmed that healthcare workers should never become targets of criminal activity, particularly those whose daily work is focused on restoring hope and improving the lives of vulnerable residents.
The COSUP Lusaka site plays a critical role in addressing substance abuse within the community. The facility records approximately 1 500 monthly visits and currently provides ongoing support to more than 200 clients who rely on its services for treatment, counselling and psychosocial care.
Acts of violence against healthcare facilities does not only endanger employees but also deprive vulnerable community members of access to essential healthcare services intended to help them overcome drug dependency and rebuild their lives.
The City of Tshwane reiterates that criminality has no place in our communities. Those who terrorise healthcare workers undermine public health programmes and the constitutional obligation of government to provide accessible healthcare services to all residents. Tshwane remains resolute in ensuring that quality healthcare services continue uninterrupted despite attempts to intimidate frontline workers.
The City of Tshwane once again calls upon anyone with information that may assist in identifying the perpetrators to report it to their nearest South African Police Service station. Working together with law enforcement agencies and community members remains essential in bringing those responsible to justice and safeguarding public healthcare facilities for the benefit of all.
INFO SUPPLIED.