The health department says the theft of copper wires puts patients at risk.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko condemned the theft of the cable that cut off the oxygen supply at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Monday.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said doctors have reported reduced oxygen supply after noticing interruptions in various sections of the hospital’s main intensive care unit (ICU).
It added that the infrastructure development department discovered the theft of a 10-meter oxygen supply pipe.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said a contractor replaced the stolen pipe and the patients will return to the ICU on Wednesday.
“The people who stole the copper pipe should not only be charged with theft but also with attempted murder.
“They intentionally put the lives of 24 patients at risk, 19 of whom were on life support and reliant on access to oxygen through artificial ventilation,” it added Tuesday.
The department has filed criminal charges with police.
The comment from the police spokesman, Colonel Mavela Masondo, will be added once it is received.
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