GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Emergency medical care in Graaff-Reinet has taken a huge knock after unscrupulous thugs stole two expensive outdoor spotlights at the Graaff-Reinet Helipad last night.
Apart from the monetary setback, the theft means that after sunset, rescue helicopters cannot land or take off from the helipad to transport critically ill patients to hospitals in Port Elizabeth, George and Bloemfontein to receive life-saving care.
The Chief Forensic Pathology Officer and Mortuary Manager, Jacques Wagner discovered the theft of the specialised lights this morning (Thursday 4 February) when he arrived at work. The helipad is next to the mortuary.
Wagner is extremely upset by the theft, not least because the lights were sponsored by an anonymous resident.
The helipad, situated next to the mortuary on land that belongs to the Department of Health, is a community project and everything needed to keep it operational, is provided free of charge by individuals and business people who give of their own time and money to save lives.
“The helipad was upgraded by the community in 2019 to ensure that rescue helicopters have somewhere to pic up patients, and the spotlights are crucial at night. Now that these lights have been stolen, sick people in dire need of special care, will just have to pray that they make it through the night,” says Wagner.
The outside electrical cables have also been damaged and the department is dispatching a team from Port Elizabeth tomorrow morning (Friday) to fix the wiring, but the lights are part of the community effort and will not be replaced by the department or the municipality.
Wagner says he is going to remove the remaining light outside until some sort of safety fence is erected. He intends to speak to the department about this.
“But, you know, If thugs want to steal, they will steal. I appeal to the community to please keep an eye out for these lights. They are not run-of-the-mill spotlights and you don’t just buy them over the counter. I have supplied photographs of similar lights so that you can immediately recognise them, should someone try sell them somewhere. If you see them, please contact the police immediately.”
A case have of theft have been opened with the Graaff-Reinet Police.
Anyone with information can call 049 807 1100 or 10111 or the detective unit on 049 807 6600.
The spotlights that were stolen are similar to these. Please inform the police should you see them.
The spotlights that were stolen are similar to these. Please inform the police should you see them.
The only remaining light at the top of the pole. The windsock is also important for safe take-off and landing.
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