Growing concerns as yet another ambulance targeted

ANOTHER Eastern Cape emergency medical services crew has been attacked after responding to a fake emergency call-out outside Mthatha.

The provincial health department has condemned the attacks, calling them “barbaric”.

Spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said two paramedics had responded to a callout in Maqhinebeni village late Saturday night when the attack took place. On the way to the village the ambulance was prevented from proceeding further as rocks had been placed on the road.

The ambulance was then pelted with stones. All its windows were broken in the process.

Kupelo said the paramedics were not hurt but the department remained worried about attacks on its health workers.

“This incident comes only two weeks after nurses and security guards were severely beaten up at Elliotdale health centre. Last year, in Ntabankulu, two ambulances were stoned in separate incidents.

“In PE, workers were robbed of their wallets, cellphones and other valuables at gunpoint.”

Kupelo said attacking ambulances had become rife in some parts of the province, including Port Elizabeth, Alfred Nzo and the Mthatha area.

He said such attacks may delay emergency medical assistance getting to the public on time.

“We may have to start waiting for police escorts before dispatching ambulances to the risky areas.

“Communities have to work with the police and policing forums to prevent these barbaric acts, and if it happens they must work with authorities to identify culprits.” —