Bhisho – The Eastern Cape Department of Health is reeling with shock on hearing of the murder of Gqeberha-based Dr. Bantu Noqekwa, Wednesday night.
The 56-year-old doctor was attacked in his private practice in Zwide and later succumbed to his gunshot injuries.
The department said the health sector was “poorer from this senseless and callous killing as it has robbed the community of the Eastern Cape of a fine general practitioner, he was a source of healing to those he served”.
The department said it also learned of a robbery that occurred in Dr. Tabata’s surgery in Njoli, in Gqeberha.
“We are comforted that his life was spared, though we can empathise with the trauma associated with such an experience,” said the department.
Eastern Cape Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth condemned the two acts of criminality.
“We are calling on the police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to book,” said MEC Meth.
“We send our condolences to the Noqekwa family, friends, colleagues and patients. These senseless attacks on healthcare workers must come to an end.”
