Operation Dudula Members Arrested After Storming Labour Ward At Soweto Clinic To Demand IDs From Pregnant Women

Three South African women affiliated with Operation Dudula are expected to appear in the Orlando Magistrate’s Court on Monday after allegedly entering a clinic in Soweto and demanding that patients produce identity documents to prove their nationality.

The incident occurred on Thursday at the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto.

The women, aged between 49 and 60, reportedly entered the maternity ward and disrupted services by questioning patients and insisting on seeing their identity documents.

Police were called after the suspects were locked inside one of the labour wards, where both staff and patients felt their rights had been violated.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the women were arrested and charged with contravening the National Health Act and public violence, among other offences.

Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group, launched a nationwide campaign in June to prevent undocumented foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities.

The group has been blocking foreign nationals from receiving treatment across Gauteng, arguing that public healthcare should be reserved for South African citizens only.

They contend that the country’s healthcare system is overburdened and cannot support undocumented immigrants.

The group’s actions have been criticised by government officials and human rights organisations, though some community members support them.

In a separate incident in Booysens, two suspects were arrested after allegedly assaulting a man at a local clinic. Said Masondo:

“It is alleged that on Monday, August 4, the victim was queuing for treatment when a woman approached him and demanded to see his ID or passport.

“When he could not produce the documents, she called two accomplices who then assaulted the man and forced him to leave the facility.”

The victim later reported the matter at the Booysens Police Station. Two suspects were arrested and charged with breaking the National Health Act and assault.

More: IOL

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