CAPE TOWN - Services at the Gugulethu Community Health Centre in Cape Town, have returned to normal, albeit under a heavy security presence.
This follows Monday morning’s attack where a group of unidentified gunmen entered the facility and robbed security guards while pretending to be sick patients.
The attack resulted in several patients being turned away from receiving much needed healthcare.
Health officials say they'll partner with the police and community crime fighting communications to maintain safety at the facility.
Many are hesitant to return to the facility following the attack.
CCTV cameras captured criminals pretending to be wheeling in a patient needing help, but attacking security guards and robbing them of their valuables instead.
Fearing for the staff’s safety, community organisations are calling for permanent partnerships between local structures, police and the health department.
The Gugulethu Health Forum's Ncedo Sifuma said, "we see additional security but we would like to see solid partnerships between Gugulethu security structures like our neighborhood watch, so that they can work hand in hand with the clinic’s security for the sake of health care workers and patients’ safety."
"Residents come to these facilities to seek help and it wouldn’t be nice if the clinic closes down due to attacks."
Some patients who were turned away yesterday say while they don’t feel safe, they have no choice but to return to the facility.
Monica Mahase said, "we don’t feel safe but we don’t have a choice. Some of us don’t have medical aid ,if I had means I would go to a different doctor, but because I don’t have a choice I’m forced to accept this situation."
Authorities have increased police visibility in the area following the latest attack.
Western Cape Health Department Patti Olckers said, "we had similar incidents quite a few years ago, where staff felt unsafe and we needed to ensure that there’s vigilance around safety, we kind of ensure that we cement our relationship with SAPS, with community safety, neighborhood watches, with CPF, because we know we can’t do it alone."
"We know are currently in an environment where safety and security is so high on everybody’s minds."
No arrests have been made.