The Diepsloot Clinic was overwhelmed in the early hours of Sunday after multiple teenagers and some adults were treated for stab wounds following violent clashes linked to several community events in the area.
According to Mr. Sicelo Shezi, Head of Diepsloot Clinic, the incident happened between 1:00 am and 3:00 am, when groups of injured teenagers began arriving at the facility.
“The team will compile the number of those seriously and not seriously injured. There were so many young and old people stabbed yesterday that I can’t give a specific number until all information is compiled,” Shezi told Diepsloot News.
Most patients were treated and discharged, while some were referred to tertiary hospitals for X-rays and further care. However, Shezi raised concerns about the behavior of intoxicated patients.
“The biggest challenge is that these teenagers, under the influence of alcohol, fight with security officers and health professionals when they require medical attention. This puts the safety of health workers in danger,” he explained.
The Diepsloot Clinic struggled to handle the influx due to staff shortages and limited emergency space. Shezi added that alcohol-related violence among teenagers in Diepsloot and nearby communities is becoming a serious concern.
Despite earlier concerns about delayed police response, Shezi commended SAPS: “SAPS responds quickly when needed and patrols our health facilities at night. We’ve also started quarterly cluster meetings to strengthen safety measures, and after-hours escorts have been limited for security reasons,” he said.
Shezi urged community leaders and event organizers to take responsibility:“All events should end by 21:30. Organizers must work with CPF and local security companies to ensure order and deploy crime prevention teams,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, members of the Diepsloot community are pleading with local hardware stores to stop selling pangas to teenagers, saying these dangerous weapons are being used to fuel violence and put lives at risk.
The clinic is expected to release the official number of victims once the compilation is complete.
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