Town Two Clinic in Khayelitsha reopened on Monday after being closed since early February following an extortion incident.

Patients returned in large numbers, with many coming in for chronic medication and appointments missed during the closure. Ward councillor Thando Pimpi said the clinic was crowded because residents had fallen behind on treatment while services were suspended.

What Happened at the Clinic

In the early hours of Monday, 2 February, two security guards were reportedly held for ransom during an extortion incident. The perpetrators demanded a protection fee.

The clinic’s reopening followed a risk assessment involving the City of Cape Town and local community leaders.

Community Patrols and Calls for Tighter Security

Lumkile Sizila, coordinator for Amadoda Aqotho (Men of Integrity) and a member of the Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum, warned that allowing criminals to shut the clinic could create a domino effect at other facilities.

He said community structures including neighbourhood watch members, CPF representatives, police and volunteers would monitor the clinic daily. He also called for security cameras to be installed at the facility.

Patients Relieved but Delays Reported

Some residents said the closure had a direct impact on their health. Nokwanda Tyelinzima said she was relieved the clinic reopened because she had run out of medication and had not taken it since the previous week.

There were delays on Monday morning as staff were not prepared for the surge in demand. Additional medication was delivered shortly before 10am.

Security was visibly increased at the entrance, with guards searching bags and monitoring the premises.

The City of Cape Town condemned the “criminal intimidation and threats” that led to the temporary suspension of services at Town Two Clinic.