FALSE CALLS LEAD TO MUGGING OF PARAMEDICS

JOHANNESBURG paramedics have expressed fear when responding to emergency calls in informal settlements following the false call on Wednesday.

Paramedics from Kibler Park fire station were ambushed when they responded to a false call of a woman in labour at Jackson informal settlement, south of Johannesburg.

On November 9, two other paramedics from Lawley fire station were also robbed of their belongings at gunpoint when they responded to an emergency in Thulamtwana informal settlement, south of Johannesburg.

Johannesburg emergency services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said the two paramedics were treated for minor injuries.

“We need to revisit our strategies when responding to calls, especially in unsafe areas.

“Our members are being targeted by criminals. We have advised them to leave their valuables behind when responding to calls.

“The recent robberies will force us to seek police escort when responding to emergencies. This will affect our time of response,” Mulaudzi said.