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Within the Durban township of Umlazi, the combat towards HIV features a battle towards crime. Individuals receiving antiretroviral (ARVs) therapy are being robbed of their treatment. This occurred to 24-year-old Ntokozo Ntuli in June this 12 months.
“I used to be strolling dwelling from the clinic when two younger males approached me and took my treatment. I didn’t file a police report, however I did inform the group policing discussion board (CPF),” Ntuli says.
She provides that many sufferers now reside in worry of being attacked after choosing up their therapy, and the group is asking for enhanced safety and safety round clinic areas in Umlazi.
“It’s painful that as a group we are able to’t even really feel secure in our personal neighbourhoods.”
What occurred to Ntuli was not an remoted case.
Rising issues
The chairperson of the CPF, Mandlenkosi Ngcobo, has confirmed rising group issues over the theft of ARVs in Umlazi.
Ngcobo says that whereas incidents involving the theft of ambulances have decreased, the theft of treatment from sufferers stays a critical and ongoing downside throughout the township.
“Individuals are being focused for his or her treatment, and it’s heartbreaking to see these numbers proceed to rise,” he says.
In latest months, a number of alarming incidents have been reported, together with the hijacking of autos transporting ARVs. One healthcare employee was held at gunpoint contained in the clinic premises.
“In February 2025, I used to be hijacked contained in the clinic premises,” says nurse Noluthando Ntombela, operations supervisor at Okay Clinic. “Incidents like this make sufferers terrified of coming to gather their treatment.”
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Ngcobo says that the CPF has been attempting to deploy extra members to crime sizzling spots.
“However we’re quick of people that can volunteer, so it makes it troublesome to reply successfully. Regardless, we try our greatest to guard residents.” – Well being-e Information
