JMPD Officer Denied Emergency Care as City of Johannesburg Owes Hospital R35 Million

Political tensions in Johannesburg have reached boiling point after a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer—injured in the line of duty—was denied urgent medical attention due to the City of Johannesburg’s outstanding R35 million debt to Netcare Milpark Hospital.

The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, when the officer, who had sustained a gunshot wound, was turned away from the private hospital. Despite an existing agreement between the hospital and the city to treat JMPD officers in emergency situations, the mounting unpaid debt resulted in a refusal of service.

Transferred Hospital to Hospital While Fighting for His Life

The officer, who has not been named, was eventually moved to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he waited for hours before being stabilised. He is now in ICU at Netcare Alberton Hospital, battling for his life.

ActionSA councillor and chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, Sarah Wissler, condemned the situation, calling it a “betrayal of those who risk their lives to keep our city safe.”

“Because of this unresolved debt, the officer was refused emergency medical attention. This is an unforgivable betrayal,” Wissler said.

She confirmed she has demanded a full report on the incident and warned that city leadership must urgently reprioritise payments and revenue collection.

DA, ActionSA Slam City’s Financial Mismanagement

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Michael Sun also expressed outrage, squarely blaming the city’s ruling coalition.

“The ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition’s inability to prioritise basic responsibilities is putting lives at risk. This isn’t just incompetence—it’s a betrayal,” said Sun.

He added that JMPD officers, who risk their lives daily, should never have to worry about whether they’ll receive emergency care.

Wider Implications for Emergency Services

The issue sheds light on broader concerns around the City of Johannesburg’s financial health. Earlier this year, reports surfaced of the city struggling to pay car rental firm Afrirent, which supplies JMPD’s vehicle fleet. Although that matter has since been resolved, councillors warn that failing to meet core service payments jeopardises both public safety and employee welfare.

Wissler urged the city to shift from borrowing and instead focus on effective revenue collection.

“We can’t keep loaning from different people without proper collections. These are unfunded loans,” she said.

City Remains Silent

Attempts to reach the City of Johannesburg’s finance MMC Margaret Arnolds, and JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla for comment have gone unanswered. The Citizen will update the story should any responses be received.

A System at Breaking Point

As Johannesburg continues to battle growing infrastructure challenges and financial strain, incidents like this expose the human cost of municipal mismanagement. The question remains—how many more lives will be put at risk before the city gets its finances in order?

{Source: The Citizen}

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