A video has gone viral on social media depicting patients using the patient vehicle to loot alcohol which fell from a truck on the N8 between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein.

The departmental spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, said the behaviour of the patients is unacceptable and makes a mockery of the department’s efforts to provide quality services to the community. These patients on the government’s Planned Patient Transport were en route from the Dr JS Moroka Hospital in Thaba Nchu to the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein for Specialist care. The incident happened on Tuesday (17/10).

“The Department of Health condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms and wishes to set the record straight that this act was not perpetrated by government officials responsible for the transportation of patients.” 

A preliminary investigation has been concluded, which showed the driver of the patients was not aware of what was happening with patients getting into the vehicle with alcohol, he was focused on the traffic ahead.  

Alcohol fell from a truck on the N8 between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. Photo supplied

“The vehicle just stopped due to the road closure, as a result of the jackknifed truck, when patients suddenly opened the door and immediately got out to help themselves to the strewn alcoholic beverages. It is our trust that such ugly scenes will never repeat themselves, even to be associated with the Department of Health.”

OFM News/Tshehla Koteli