Gauteng police have arrested three women members of Operation Dudula after they allegedly stormed into a medical care centre in Diepkloof, Soweto, and demanded identity documents from patients to verify their nationality.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspects, aged between 49 and 60, were arrested on Thursday and face charges including contravention of the National Health Act and public violence,
Masondo said police were called to the facility after the suspects were locked in one of the labour wards by nursing staff and patients, who felt their rights were being violated.
“The suspects were arrested and charged with contravention of the National Health Act and public violence, among other charges,” he said.
They are expected to appear in the Orlando Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 11.
Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group, launched a nationwide campaign in June aimed at preventing undocumented foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities.
The group has been blocking foreign nationals from receiving treatment across Gauteng, claiming public healthcare should be reserved for South African citizens only.
They argue the country’s healthcare system is overburdened and cannot support undocumented immigrants.
The group’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from government officials and human rights organisations, while some community members have expressed support.
In a separate incident, two suspects were arrested in Booysens for allegedly assaulting a man at a medical care centre.
According to Masondo, the incident occurred on Monday, 4 August, when the victim was queuing for treatment and was approached by a woman who demanded to see his ID or passport.
Masondo said when he failed to produce documentation, the woman allegedly called two accomplices, who began assaulting the man and forced him to leave the clinic.
The victim later opened a case at Booysens Police Station, and two of the suspects were traced and arrested.
They have been charged with contravention of the National Health Act and common assault.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
