The Gauteng Department of Health has expressed frustration over the continued attack on healthcare workers in the line of duty. This, after an Emergency Medical Services crew was hijacked, assaulted and robbed of their personal belongings while responding to a fake distress call in Nellmapius, outside Tshwane on Saturday.

ONGOING ATTACKS

The Department of Health spokesperson, Motlalatlale Modiba, said an ambulance was dispatched to the area from the Mamelodi base and on arrival in the vicinity of the address, two men waved to stop the crew and when the emergency responders stopped to engage them, the men pulled out firearms and forced them to drive to an unknown location. Modiba said the crew was responding to an emergency call registered for a 48-year-old male who collapsed in an unknown condition. "Both crew members a man and a woman were taken to a shack between bushes where they were tied up, while the assailants drove away with the ambulance. The team managed to escape to nearby Mavuso squatter camp, where they called for help," said Modiba.

TECHNOLOGY SAVES DAY

Modiba said all Gauteng EMS operational vehicles, including ambulances, are fitted with camera technology and tracking devices. "This enabled the armed response company to be on the scene within a few minutes while the police made their way. The ambulance was recovered a few minutes later in the same Nellmapius area. A case has been opened with the Silverton SAPS and the camera footage from the incident has been handed over to the police. The crew members sustained minor scrapes and bruises and suffered emotional trauma. Trauma counselling has been arranged, accordingly," said Modiba. The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has condemned the attack. In a statement, the committee said it has noted with concern the unacceptable growing number of such incidents where EMS workers are attacked and robbed while responding to emergency calls. "This kind of incident signals a worrying trend in Gauteng as it not only puts the lives of EMS workers at risk but also compromises their ability to respond and provide health care services to those who desperately need them. However, the committee commends the provincial government for putting in place measures such as tracking and surveillance devices on EMS vehicles to assist workers in situations where they find themselves in danger," read the statement.