‘Charge copper thieves who put patient lives at risk with attempted murder’ – Gauteng Health MEC
The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says the criminals responsible for the theft of a 10-metre copper pipe that supplies oxygen at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) should be charged with attempted murder.
According to the Gauteng health department, hospital staff members reported a low flow of oxygen to the Department of Infrastructure Development on Monday.
This led to the discovery that the oxygen supply pipe was tampered with.
Gauteng health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba says the stolen pipe supplied oxygen to various sections of the main Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“MEC Nkomo Ralehoko said the people who stole the copper pipe should not just be charged with theft but also with attempted murder,” he notes.
“They intentionally put the lives of 24 patients at risk, 19 of whom were on life support and depended on access to oxygen through artificial ventilation.
“Fortunately, the patients were immediately evacuated to another ward where ventilation was continued. A contractor was immediately called on-site and the copper pipe has since been replaced. The process to move patients back into the main ICU will commence on Wednesday.”
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