KEY POINTS
- Emergency Medical Services personnel encountered a robbery during an ambush at Nongoma located in Zululand District.
- Responders fell into a trap after attending what attackers had falsely presented as a medical emergency.
- The Health MEC demands immediate measures to safeguard EMS staff throughout their operations.
Staff members of KwaZulu-Natal emergency medical services (EMS) encountered an attack after responding to an emergency call deception in Nongoma within Zululand District.
The emergency response crew of KwaZulu-Natal received orders to help a diabetic patient complaining of chest pain located in the KwaDabhasi Othinsangu area.
When the responders reached their destination they accepted the false offer to leave their vehicle and soon afterward they faced a violent robbery operation.
A paramedic received facial trauma from the attack by attackers. We managed to escape from the attack on our way back to report the incident to the police forces.
Authorities condemn repeated attacks
The situation made Simelane deeply concerned about the matter while she demanded that the police authorities hold the culprits accountable. The official requested community involvement to safeguard both emergency rescue personnel and government assets.
Such attacks violate the safety of our emergency personnel and simultaneously damage critical emergency services. This must end,” she stated.
