Following a spate of attacks on ambulances in the Eastern Cape, Health MEC Helen Sauls-August has announced a joint investigation by police, crime intelligence and state security to track down the perpetrators.
Health spokesman Lwandile Sicwethsa said Nelson Mandela Bay ambulances had been spared the latest spate of attacks, with the last attack in the metro being reported on April 29.
He said, however, that in the past four weeks, 11 ambulances responding to emergency calls and transporting patients to health facilities had been attacked in Mzamomhle, Keiskammahoek, Dimbaza, Peddie, King William’s Town, Alice, Fort Beaufort, Tsholomnqa and Duncan Village.
He said cases had been reported to the police, but had also been referred to crime intelligence and state security for further specialised investigation.
There had been no fatalities during the attacks, Sicwetsha said.
“Emergency services are there to save the lives of the most vulnerable and indigent people who require urgent medical attention at our health facilities. Attacks on these emergency vehicles mean fewer vehicles will be available to respond to emergency calls,” Sauls-August said.
She stressed the need for community support in preventing further attacks.
“We call on all communities to be on the lookout for attacks on EMS personnel and vehicles.
“They must immediately alert the South African Police Service or call our 24-hour customer careline,” she said.
Sauls-August commended the bravery of women and men who, despite the attacks, continued to deliver services to communities.
Earlier this year, the portfolio committee for health asked the department to report back on its progress in exploring safety measures for ambulances in the province and draw up a detailed contingency plan to address the ongoing attacks on vehicles.
Attacks can be reported to 10111 or to the departmental 24-hour call centre at 0800-032-364.