Human blood flows in streets; Department of Health turns blind eye 

Human blood flowing from the government hospital in Kuruman into the street poses a health risk to the residents of the town and should, according to the civil rights organisation, AfriForum, be addressed immediately.

Stefan Pieterse, Provincial Coordinator for AfriForum in the Northern Cape, said the blood contaminates ground water which is used by farmers for irrigation. "This means that people may consume contaminated crops. What leaves us speechless is that the Department of Health is fully aware of the problem, but they're merely turning a blind eye."

"Government hospitals should deliver quality services to South Africans, but in cases like this one, vulnerable people are let down. This year was categorised by various violent protest actions by disgruntled communities, but when one experiences situations like the one at the hospital in Kuruman, it's fathomable," Pieterse said. 

AfriForum delivered clean water to the Barkley East community yesterday, after residents turned violent because of bad service delivery. 

If the Department does not address the problem with the necessary urgency, AfriForum will step in with solutions, and recover the expenses from the Department.

Statement issued by Stefan Pieterse, AfriForum Provincial Coordinator: Northern Cape, December 6 2014

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