Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital suffered a second cable theft incident this week, which compromised the refrigeration system.
Health department spokesman Motalatale Modiba said nurses in operating theaters 15 and 16 reported interruptions in the water supply. An internal investigation pointed to cable theft.
It came hours after the hospital reopened its intensive care unit on Wednesday.
On Monday, patients were evacuated from the unit due to interruptions in the oxygen supply caused by the theft of the cable.
READ | Cable thieves steal oxygen supply pipe at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Modiba said the incidents appeared to be attempts to sabotage the healthcare system at the facility.
“Given the nature of the events, there appears to be a deliberate attempt to destabilize the facility, endangering the lives of thousands of people who depend on the public health service,” Modiba said.
He said the second incident was being investigated by Diepkloof SAPS.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko had previously called for the cable thieves to face an additional charge of attempted murder for endangering the lives of patients.
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