By Buziwe Nocuze
An ambulance crew member suffered injuries and received care in hospital following a robbery in Heinz Park, Cape Town.
The crew were on their way to Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital.
Byron La Hoe, from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, condemned the incident, noting that it has left their Emergency Management Services (EMS) staff working in the area traumatised.
“The crew was on their way to the district hospital with a patient inside the ambulance when the incident took place.Their cellphones and mobile terminals were stolen by the perpetrators,” said La Hoe.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the incident, adding that a case of armed robbery has been registered for investigation.
“The EMS vehicle was hit with bricks, and the driver-side window broke. The suspects got in the vehicle, took two cellular telephones off the members and also the EPST tablet, and fled the scene on foot,” said Van Wyk.
SAPS could not confirm the extent of the victims’ injuries.
Counselling has been provided to the staff involved in this shocking incident.
La Hoe stressed that their teams are committed to working together with communities to improve the health of all citizens.
Bongani Maqungwana, a community policing forum (CPF) member, said they are shocked that incidents of this nature are still happening.
“We have a standing agreement and understanding with all ambulances and delivery vehicles that they must report at the police station for escorts because of the crime in the area,” he said.
“We have had a meeting with all community stakeholders trying to enforce awareness and discuss intervention strategies for stopping these robberies.”
A resident speaking on condition of anonymity said residents can play their part by reporting the criminals because they know them.
“Soon we will lose our family members because ambulances will stop coming into our area. Community members need to report criminals and stop buying stolen goods,” said the resident.
Pictured above: Ambulance.
Image source: Stock
