04 May2023
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is a professional association for public and private sector medical practitioners, existing to serve the best interests and needs of its members in all healthcare related matters.
SAMA has become aware of the violent incident that claimed the life of 56-year-old General Practitioner, Dr Bantu Noqekwa. The Association is saddened, shocked, and angered by this brutal act that will leave a deep void in the provision of quality medical services in Gqeberha. According to media reports four male suspects fatally shot Dr Noqekwa after entering his surgery on the evening of 03 May 2023. Police are appealing to anyone who may have information to contact Kwazakhele SAPS.
Following this senseless incident, the Association once again raises its deep concern about the safety of healthcare professionals in the workplace. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers play an invaluable role in society, and their lives are often at risk due to poor safety and security measures in hospitals, practices, and clinics. Furthermore, many are fearful for their safety and find themselves in situations of moral distress when it comes to providing care to patients.
In a recent survey conducted by SAMA on the nature and extent of violence against healthcare workers, an alarming increase in violent acts was recorded between 2012 and 2022. The Association once again appeals to law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in dealing with crime and to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare providers. SAMA recommends the development and implementation of a multi-sectorial strategy for the security of healthcare workers to protect them from targeted crime. Without this intervention, healthcare in itself continues being further jeopardised and more doctors will feel threatened and seek safer refuge in foreign countries, taking with them critical skills and expertise that are in dire need locally.
Dr Noqekwa was a member of SAMA since 2009, and a respected and loved physician in his community and within the SAMA family. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr Noqekwa.
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