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A box with stolen medical waste.
- The kidnappers took away a medical waste disposal truck in Khayelitsha.
- The truck was transporting waste from local clinics to a specialized medical waste treatment facility in Killarney Gardens at the time.
- The waste does not contain anatomical parts or pharmaceuticals.
A garbage collection truck carrying hazardous medical waste is still missing after it was hijacked last week.
The Averda truck was transporting waste from local clinics to a specialized medical waste treatment facility in Killarney Gardens when it was hijacked last Friday.
According to the healthcare company, the driver, who was held at gunpoint, was eventually released unharmed and received support, including counseling, after the incident.
“The sealed waste boxes and containers, which were collected from the clinics in Khayelitsha, contain sharp objects, including used syringes, as well as infectious materials used in medical care, and could pose a risk to the public if mishandled.” the company said.
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Missing materials include medical needles and other sharp items that are contained in specifically designed and regulated 8-liter containers. These bright yellow containers have tamper evident lids and are designed to safely contain waste.
Also missing are infectious waste contained in red liner bags within disposable cardboard boxes that are clearly marked as containing hazardous waste.
Report
“We urge members of the public to report any sightings of boxes and / or bags to the police, and we strongly advise people not to touch or open the boxes,” said Averda representative Marika Human.
The incident was reported to the police, as well as to the provincial and national Department of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, responsible for waste management, and the clinics involved.
A box with stolen medical waste.
Police spokesman Colonel André Traut said they launched an investigation after a Toyota Quantum pickup truck carrying medical waste was hijacked last Friday at 3:40 p.m. by four unknown suspects on Cekeca Street.
Averda has a team on standby to collect and safely dispose of waste when found.
The general public, who have any information about the incident or the missing material, can contact the Averda call center at 0861283732.
“The hijacked vehicle is still being searched and anyone with information should contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Traut added.
The public is cautioned that medical waste, including syringes and needles, could be thrown away by kidnappers and should not be handled if found.
