A Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer was allegedly denied emergency medical treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital after being shot while on duty—all because the City of Johannesburg owes the private healthcare provider a staggering R35 million in unpaid bills.
Officer Shot, Then Turned Away
The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was wounded in the line of duty and rushed to Netcare Milpark Hospital, a leading trauma facility. However, hospital staff reportedly refused to admit the officer, citing the City of Johannesburg’s failure to settle its R35 million debt for previous medical services rendered to municipal employees.
Sources say the injured officer had to be diverted to another hospital, delaying critical treatment. The incident has ignited fury among law enforcement and labor groups, who accuse the city of putting lives at risk due to financial mismanagement.
The officer and his colleagues also were not even kitted out with radios.
City’s Unpaid Bills Jeopardize Lives
Netcare Milpark Hospital is one of several healthcare providers struggling with unpaid bills from the City of Johannesburg. Insiders claim that the municipality has repeatedly failed to honor payments, forcing hospitals to either absorb the costs or turn away patients.
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has slammed the city’s negligence, calling it a “betrayal of public servants.”
“How can a police officer, shot while protecting citizens, be denied care because the city doesn’t pay its bills? This is an outrage,” a SAMWU representative said.
City Responds Amid Backlash
The City of Johannesburg acknowledged the debt but blamed “administrative delays” for the payment issues. In a statement, officials said they were working to resolve the matter but did not provide a timeline for settling the R35 million owed to Netcare.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihli expressed dismay, stating:
“Our officers put their lives on the line daily. They deserve immediate medical care, not bureaucratic excuses.”
Public Outrage and Political Fallout
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many questioning how the city prioritizes spending. Opposition parties, including the DA and ActionSA, have demanded an urgent audit of municipal finances, accusing the ANC-led government of “failing those who serve Johannesburg.”
On social media, South Africans expressed anger, with some pointing out that the city finds money for vanity projects but not for lifesaving healthcare.
What Happens Next?
Netcare has not officially commented, but industry sources say private hospitals may start refusing all city-referred patients unless payments are made. Meanwhile, unions warn of possible protests if the issue is not resolved.
For now, the wounded officer’s condition remains undisclosed, but the case has exposed a dangerous gap in the city’s duty of care to its employees.
