Talks are in an “advanced stage” between the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works and the City of Cape Town, with a view to the City taking control of the GF Jooste Hospital. The Manenberg-based facility, which is owned by the department, has become a haven of criminal activity in recent months. Media reports have highlighted several incidents of vandalism, theft, and drug related activity on-site. The hospital facility was shut down roughly two years ago amidst severe under resourcing, with plans for urgent upgrades to better services to the surrounding area.

Despite suggestions from the City’s head of Safety and Security, JP Smith that they are close to finalising discussions to take control of the facility, the Department has stressed that nothing has been concluded. Should the talks bear fruition, GF Jooste will likely be converted into a police training college.

Head of communications at the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, Al-Ameen Kafaar was unable to estimate the value of the damage the hospital has suffered thus far.

“We’d only be able to get some idea how much it will cost to repair the building once we’ve managed to get someone to use it,” he explained, adding that any prior attempts to uncover the costs would likely amount to wasteful expenditure.

In a bid to halt the vandalism, the City of Cape Town has offered a reward of up to R1000 for information that could lead to an arrest, or fine against the perpetrators. In addition, both the City and Department of Public Works have sought to tighten security at the hospital, through Metro Police and Law Enforcement patrols.

“The building has been stripped quite substantially, although structurally wise there is nothing wrong with it. This is the reason why we had to ensure a proper, decent fence was put in place, as well as barbed wire. We’ve (also) managed to increase the amount of security personnel at the building,” he noted.

According to Kafaar, the department has also lodged more than 20 cases at the Manenberg Police Station, in relation to theft, damage to property, suspected drug offences, and individuals caught in possession of stolen property. Several arrests have been made and he was hopeful of prosecution.

Anyone with information, or who suspects individual that may be related to criminal activity at the GF Jooste Hospital may contact the City via the 107 Public Emergency Call Centre line. Cellphone users will need to dial 021 480 7700. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)