Tragedy in Verulam: Elderly Man Dies While Submitting SASSA Application
A 60-year-old man, identified as Manikum Pillay from Phoenix, tragically died outside the Department of Labour offices in Verulam CBD on Friday morning while attempting to submit a SASSA application.
The incident has left community members in shock and raised questions about the emergency response in the area.
Collapsed While Waiting in Line
According to witnesses, Pillay had been waiting in line with his 58-year-old wife when he suddenly fell, striking his head on the tiled floor. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as bystanders rushed to assist him while his wife called for help.
Nearby Clinic Refused to Assist
Despite the proximity of a medical clinic just 50 metres away, witnesses allege that calls for immediate assistance were ignored or refused by staff at the facility.
This delay has sparked outrage among residents, who believe that timely medical attention might have saved his life.
Paramedics Declare Him Dead at the Scene
Paramedics from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to the call and arrived shortly after 9 a.m. Unfortunately, Pillay was declared dead at 09h03. RUSA confirmed that he had sustained a serious head injury consistent with a fall.
Community Questions Healthcare Response
The incident has prompted public concern over the apparent lack of urgency from the nearby clinic. Residents in Verulam are calling for an investigation into why no immediate medical aid was rendered, especially given the facility’s close proximity to the scene.
Authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident as pressure mounts for accountability and improved emergency response protocols.
Here are some of the reactions;
@Mokhine8;
it’s a pity somebody’s life was lost like that. sassa officials would make you feel so small and embarras you in front of the People.sassa officials in vereeniging help only sixty people who need R350 grant.
@andrew_mthunzi;
If the Paramedics take a while to arrive and you see this person isn’t doing well he’s fading why don’t you take your car and transport the poor person he’s not a criminal he’s just an elderly person… 🤷Why are we like this as people these days we lost humanity.
@Mthobisi_Mpembe;
This is South Africa, you will die while waiting in line for medical attention
@RockkStarr;
Those who refused must be fired immediately.