Khayelitsha Clinic reopens after security threats

The Town Two Clinic has reopened after a two-week closure as a result of threats against staff and security personnel.

The facility resumed services on Monday, February 16, following intervention by community stakeholders, allowing residents to once again access healthcare without fear.

According to the City, services were suspended after a series of serious incidents, including one in which two security guards were allegedly held for ransom by extortionists demanding money from a private security company. 

The closure left many residents without a nearby healthcare option, prompting urgent engagement between community leaders, health authorities, and law enforcement agencies.

On Monday, relieved residents queued outside the clinic, expressing gratitude that services had resumed. Visible deployments of City law enforcement officers, neighbourhood watch members, and community policing forums were present to help ensure safety during the reopening.

Several community organisations also attended to support the return of services and to help maintain calm.

Ward councillor Thando Pimpi said the reopening followed numerous consultative meetings with stakeholders from Khayelitsha, including the City of Cape Town. He expressed hope that the situation would stabilise and that there would be no further disruptions.

“We have worked tirelessly because people depend on these services. There was no time to rest. We thank all stakeholders who ensured that operations could resume. This is for the benefit of the entire community,” said Pimpi.

The Khayelitsha Health Forum welcomed the reopening and said it would continue to monitor developments at the clinic. Chairperson Mzanywa Ndibongo described the closure as unfortunate and appealed to residents to remain vigilant. He urged the community to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Lumkile Sizila, founder of the Amadoda Aqotho non-profit organisation, also called on residents to protect public facilities. He said clinics belong to the community and should be safeguarded for everyone’s benefit. “Our concern is people who have to go long distances for services.”

Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, condemned the criminal intimidation that led to the temporary suspension of services. She said that the safety of patients, staff, and security personnel remains the City’s top priority and said services were only halted to allow for strengthened safety measures.

“Criminal elements cannot be allowed to hold essential services to ransom,” she said.

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