The Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concern over the increase in incidents of robbery of ambulance workers when they are called for emergency help.
This comes after the incident that took place in Nkwalini, Showe, yesterday, when the emergency workers were robbed at gunpoint and kidnapped at the Nkwalini store.
According to the spokesperson of the department, Mr. Nathi Olifant, the victims were telling themselves that they were rushing the necessary medical assistance when they were going to this place.
“They ended up being robbed by people who were armed with guns, took their property, forced them to take an ambulance to two bars, where they were charged for alcohol with their bank cards,” said Olifant.
He revealed that after the robbery, they were kept by the suspects for four hours before they were released, he said Allegations are that the phone call to the emergency services was false as they were robbed at the place they were called.
He said that although they are grateful that the victims came out of the incident unharmed, the damage done when it comes to the state of mind is immeasurable, he said. what is worrying is that the event is not a rare thing as there are others of the same kind seen throughout the province.
“Our employees are called to different places to provide assistance to those who need it, but they find themselves committing crimes. This is unacceptable,” said Olifant.
He said that the Ministry condemns this incident, and said that it is sad that the emergency services were called to provide assistance, but when they arrived at the place where they were called, they found themselves being tortured and robbed.
“Normally, even where there is war, emergency workers are protected so that they can do their life-saving work without fear.
He said that the matter has been reported to the police, and he said that they hope that the law will play its role, making an example of the perpetrators of this incident.
He said that the time has come for the communities to take part in stopping such incidents, and he said that there is definitely someone who knows who committed this crime.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward and report to the nearest police about criminals who have committed crimes so they can face the law. Emergency workers are heroes, they should not be robbed. We will not rest until those who did this are caught.” he says like this.
Police comment…