Just weeks after scores of unemployed doctors marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to demand the government employ them, a Mpumalanga medical doctor may find her name added to the list of unemployed healthcare professionals. The Mpumalanga Health Department has confirmed it has suspended Gugu Masina (32), who was deployed as a medical doctor at Middelburg General Hospital. Masina’s suspension follows accusations of stealing the hospital’s medicines and medical equipment valued at approximately R50,000. Health MEC Sasekani Manzini stated that the department will take corrective measures against Masina.
“Strong actions will be taken by the department to anyone who attempts to steal medication and medical equipment as it negatively affects health service delivery that is meant for our communities,” she said in a statement.
“As a department, we do not condone such behavior. A discliplinary action will be taken by the department to correct the wrong behavior.” Masina was arrested on Friday, 1 March 2024, after hospital security guards searched her car. The doctor reportedly failed to explain to the guards why the medical supplies were stashed in the boot of her car. Police were summoned to the scene, and a case of theft was registered with the Middelburg police. Manzini also applauded what she called sterling work. “That is the kind of security that we want in our hospitals and clinics because we always complain that there is shortage of medication meanwhile we are delivering medication but there are also people, employees who are taking medication that is supposed to be aiding patients.”
Masina appeared at the Middelburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 5 March, and was released on R5000 bail. The case is postponed to 5 April 2024 for further investigations.
