The residents of Cape Town have been warned to be vigilant after criminals allegedly hijacked a vehicle that was used to transport medical waste. The vehicle, an Averda truck, was reportedly hijacked in Khayelitsha while on its way to a medical facility in Killarney Gardens on Friday, December 4.
There were boxes of sealed medical waste in the vehicle, as it had just completed collection from clinics in Khayelitsha. These include sharp objects such as syringes, as well as infectious materials.
The driver, who was held at gunpoint, escaped uninjured and is reportedly receiving trauma counselling following the incident.
Speaking to SABC News Western Cape, Marika Human, a spokesperson for Averda, said the company is urging anyone who sees the boxes and bags containing medical waste to call the police. Members of the public are also advised not to touch the waste.
Sightings can also be reported to the Averda call centre via 086 128 3732.
