The Free State Department of Health has quelled concerns of any danger at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein after a “mysterious” incident. It seems that a fire has raged at the facility, with information surrounding the incident communicated days later.
The fact that an incident had indeed taken place, only came to light after it was reported to authorities on Monday (13/03).
According to Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the department, the Mangaung Metro Fire Department responded to an anonymous tip-off at about 14:00.
The origin of the fire at the hospital’s linen bank, however, is unknown
It is also not clear if the fire was in any way related to a wage strike by employees affiliated to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu).
“We can assure the public that a fire did occur at this place,” said Mvambi.
“We do, however, suspect that it was a prank aimed at causing confusion and panic, as has been the norm throughout the strike action.”
According to Mvambi, initial findings reveal the fire occurred on Monday, 6 March – the first day of the strike action by public servants affiliated to Nehawu.
He said it was unclear what types of items were set alight at the facility, adding that the incident had not been reported to authorities.
“Clean linen was safely delivered by the provincial laundry truck about two hours prior to the fire department responding to the call,” said Mvambi.
The private hospital section is attached to Pelonomi’s public section.
Striking workers barricaded entrances with debris, burning tyres and stones, preventing patients and doctors, as well as non-striking staff, from accessing the premises.
Health services were severely affected at the three major public hospitals in Bloemfontein during the week-long strike action by Nehawu members.
Mvambi said the hospital had a very low turnout of non-striking workers who belonged to unions other than Nehawu.
Following the return of essential workers on Tuesday, after the Labour Appeal Court judgement on Monday, he said the provincial department was monitoring the situation.
“The knowledge we have is that the hospital is being identified as the main centre where strike activities could impact on the health-care services of the province,” Mvambi said.
