Pharmacist Pauline Randles “looted” her store and turned her home into a pharmacy so her chronic patients could have access to their lifesaving medications.
Hillcrest, South Africa (26 July 2021) – As the dust settles in parts of South Africa, stories of heroes are emerging. Pharmacist Pauline Randles is one of those being hailed for her actions during the Durban unrest.
Pauline is the owner of the Link Hills Pharmacy at the Watercrest Shopping Mall, and she was in her shop when the looters started their attack on the businesses there. She, her staff and a few brave customers defended the store. This gave Pauline a chance to lock everything up and get to her home safely.
At home, Pauline watched her CCTV footage. For a time, the looters kept their sights on larger retailers, but more people took an interest in her store as the hours ticked by.
Eventually, a looter got in and went straight to her server and computer system. They smashed all the digital equipment, destroying records needed to keep people alive.
Pauline watched in horror as her business was dismantled before her eyes. She sat formulating a plan. So far as she could see, the looters had not really taken any of the medications yet.
A hero emerged at this moment. Pauline got in her car and “looted” to her own store. She used the back entrance for safety and was able to collect hundreds of medications needed by her patients with chronic conditions.
With the chronic medications safe, Pauline went back the next day to clear the shelves yet again, this time “looting” the essentials left behind.
Security was desperate to get her away from the mall, saying she was in danger. She packed the last of her stock and drove away, watching the flames and chaos in her rearview mirror.
With the chronic medications safe, Pauline ensured that none of her usual customers would be at risk during the shortages. Using WhatsApp and taking calls, she was able to connect with her customers in need and provide them with life-saving medications.
Pauline’s staff joined her at her home to sort the medications, distribute them and create a rudimentary record-keeping system to ensure everyone got what they needed.
With her system being down, she had no idea on prices, and her customers have acted in good faith. Through their system, they estimated prices, and Pauline has promised that any over-charges would be refunded and any under-charges would be billed at a later stage. Everyone, grateful for the medical assistance, agreed to these terms.
Pauline is being hailed a hero for her efforts and for keeping the Hillcrest area in her heart during the height of the looting and unrest.
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