The South African Human Rights Commission condemns the looting of copper at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
09 July 2021
The South African Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) is deeply shocked by reports that the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, which was closed after being gutted by fire in April, has now being looted of copper piping alleged to be worth R30 Million rands.
These reports come at a time when the hospital and the Gauteng health care system are still contending with the negative impact that the fire damage has had on the provision of healthcare services to thousands of hospital users. The Commission has since confirmed these reports with the CEO of the hospital and awaits further updates.
The recent monitoring visits undertaken by the Commission to Charlotte Maxeke revealed the challenges and issues around physical infrastructure at the hospital. It further drew heightened attention to the extent and nature of the impact that the fire damage had on the patient’s right to health care.
According to the media reports, the theft of the piping could leave some parts of the hospital without hot water. It cannot be gainsaid that without hot water and appropriate infrastructure, patients cannot be treated according to the required standards.