GRAAFF REINET NEWS — The Graaff-Reinet Day Hospital in Bree Street, Santaville, has recently been the victim of multiple break-ins and incidents over the past two months.
The first incident occurred on August 31. The hospital's generator doors were found open and upon further investigation by staff and security, it was discovered that the generator's doors were opened forcefully and the battery stolen.
This piece of machinery is imperative to the running of the hospital as it keeps the refrigerators housing the various medications running, as well as other functions which keep the hospital functioning in instances of power dips and power failure.
A second incident occurred on September 23 where windows were seemingly opened forcefully but upon investigation, staff could find nothing visibly missing.
The third incident occurred on Monday, September 25, on a public holiday, just two days later.
This time a brand new compressor was taken which was to be mounted in the mobile vans that deliver dental services to those locals in and around Graaff-Reinet who are unable to reach the dental clinic. This has been a massive blow to the hospital's dental department as this mobile service aids many children and adults from less fortunate communities.
In addition, 400 donated miniature tubes of toothpaste and 400 toothbrushes - which are handed out after educational demonstrations - were also stolen. This is devastating for the hospital as donations are not easy to secure.
In addition to these items, a steriliser, a computer made specifically to be used in conjunction with x-ray procedures, a flat screen television used to educate the community and 16 bales of toilet paper were also stolen in this third incident.
Contributing to the escalating number of incidents is the issue of street lights which have been replaced twice only to be shot out by perpetrators.
Ward councillor Joy Williams described this as a deeply disheartening issue as the hospital is an important and key element in the community which serves to assist the whole community whereas these criminal activities only benefit a small number of individuals.
The hospital in conjunction with SAPS is seeking the communities help to bring these perpetrators to light and to hopefully ensure the safe return of the stolen goods.
If anyone has any information regarding the above-mentioned incidents please report it to the police immediately so that the hospital can continue serving the community to the best of its abilities.
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