Photo: Twitter
Carletonville Hospital fire that destroyed R20.3m worth of equipment was caused by arson
The fire that broke out at Carletonville Hospital earlier this year was started intentionally, according to a forensic report. Traces of accelerant were found at the scene.
Photo: Twitter
Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi said the fire at Carletonville Hospital that destroyed equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) worth more than R20 million in February 2021 was the result of arson, according to a fire brigade investigation.
EVIDENCE SHOWS CARLETONVILLE HOSPITAL FIRE WAS STARTED INTENTIONALLY
Jack Bloom, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Shadow MEC for Health in Gauteng, said Mokgethi made the revelation in a written reply to his questions in the provincial legislature.
The Fire Forensic Report reportedly said that traces of an accelerant were found between the equipment in the storeroom – an indication that the fire was caused intentionally. What’s more, at the time no member of the public had access to Carletonvill Hospital because of COVID-19 restriction, which leads Bloom to believe the arson was committed by a hospital official.
The storeroom fire destroyed R16.5 million of equipment meant for the Anglo Ashanti Hospital and R3.8 million PPE meant for the Carletonville Hospital.
“I suspect that the fire could have been caused to cover up corruption concerning the PPE or the equipment meant for the Anglo Ashanti Hospital. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has already made adverse findings on the R500 million spent on renovating the Anglo Ashanti Hospital,” said Bloom.
Bloom added that there are indications that the fire at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital may also have been started to destroy evidence of alleged corruption.
A criminal investigation into the Carletonville Hospital arson has been opened. The police investigation continues and no arrests have been made thus far.
