There have been four separate reported attacks on the Western Cape Government Health’s (WCGH) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the province within the past week.
According to Deanna Bessick, Communications Officer for Emergency Medical Services & Forensic Pathology Services, the fourth attack occurred today, Sunday March 29, at 1.40am.
“A male and female paramedic responded to a call and were making their way back to their base when they were approached from the side of the vehicle by a suspect with a firearm, as they were exiting Sea Winds. The crew accelerated to get away and the vehicle was stoned. The vehicle’s damage is currently being assessed. They proceeded to SAPS Steenberg immediately to open up a case. Fortunately, there were no injuries and the paramedics received counselling.”
EMS officials, one male and one female, were involved in an attempted hijacking in Browns Farm, Phillipi while on their way to pick up night shift staff at 5pm 0n Saturday, March 28. While the EMS officials were able to escape with no injuries, the suspect disappeared with the car keys. The officials have received counselling and the incident was reported to SAPS Nyanga.
According to Bessick, there have been 12 attacks on Western Cape’s EMS personnel between January 1 and March 29, 2020.
“We strongly condemn these senseless attacks on our EMS officials and vehicles. We are appealing to the community, and urging you to assist if you have any details that could help with the investigation of these incidents,” says Dr Shaheem De Vries, Director of Emergency Medical Services.
The Western Cape Government Health is appealing to the public to refrain from attacking officials who are rendering a crucial service during this dire time. Anyone with information on any of the incidents should report it to the nearest police station.
Picture: Facebook / South African Paramedic Services