Bapong Community Healthcare Centre in Madibeng became the scene of chaos in the early hours of Sunday, 30 March 2025, when five individuals arrived with an injured person and allegedly attempted to bypass standard security checks and patient queues.
PLEASE NOTE: This article was modified to reflect the official statement issued by the North West Department of Health.
What happened at Bapong Health Centre?
According to a statement released by the North West Department of Health, the group is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol and refused to be searched at the gate — a routine security measure at the facility.
The Department confirmed that the group forced their way into the clinic and demanded immediate attention for their injured companion, disregarding other patients who had been waiting to be seen.
When security attempted to intervene, a guard was assaulted. The incident turned violent, with several people injured in the ensuing chaos.
Graphic video footage of the aftermath, showing blood on the clinic floors and panic inside the facility, quickly spread across social media.
Health MEC Sello Lehari strongly condemned the incident, labelling the attack as a “barbaric act of violence.”
He confirmed that a criminal case has been opened against the individuals involved and urged the community to assist in identifying them.
“They will face the full might of the law,” said Lehari.
He also debunked claims circulating online that nurses had been attacked, stating that no healthcare workers were physically assaulted.
In response to the incident, MEC Lehari convened an urgent meeting on the same day with departmental leadership, local government officials, union representatives, security personnel, and affected staff.
The following steps were agreed upon and implemented immediately:
- A formal criminal case has been opened.
- Psychosocial support is being provided to staff who were on duty at the time.
- Additional armed security personnel have been deployed to the facility.
- Security is being reinforced with tools such as metal detectors.
- Community-centred campaigns will be intensified to improve cooperation and awareness around healthcare service delivery.
Lehari issued a stern warning to those who visit clinics after drinking or following violent altercations, stating that healthcare workers should not be subjected to threats or aggression.
“Our healthcare professionals are doing so much to save lives. The last thing we need is individuals who had consumed alcohol coming and causing chaos in our facilities, demanding to skip the queue,” he said.
The Department assured residents that Bapong Community Healthcare Centre is safe and has resumed normal operations.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and updates are expected as law enforcement works to track down those responsible.
