Update

JANSENVILLE NEWS - Tensions escalated in Jansenville this morning(9 June), as a crowd of at least 200 community members continues to protest against the admittance of a patient with Covid-19 at the local SAWAS hospital.

Last night’s protests continued until about 10.30pm, and this morning protesters were once again on the streets in all areas, burning tyres.

According to an eye witness, Public Order Police (POP) members opened fire with rubber bullets and tear gas. “The wind is so strong, that everyone within about 200m is being affected by the tear gas. Sick people are suffering, and two young children from one household had to be taken to hospital by ambulance as they couldn’t see,” he said.

Protesters have retaliated by throwing stones at the police and the police station. There was a brief lull whilst a deputation met with the POP commanding officer who was trying to mediate between the protesters and the hospital, but this was unsuccessful, and the burning has recommenced.

The R75 is once again blocked, with the protesters preventing any vehicles from entering the town.

The hospital CEO, Gillian January, is thought to be in Port Elizabeth.

According to an ambulance driver who did not wish to be named, four patients were transported from Graaff-Reinet in an ordinary patient transport vehicle. One, who has Covid-19 symptoms, was taken to the Jansenville hospital, and the rest to Port Elizabeth. The ambulance personnel were angry that they had not been told that the patients had tested positive for Covid-19.

Protesters continued to burn tyres this morning.