07 October 2024

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Ms Nomagugu Simelane has strongly condemned an incident in which one of the Department's EMS vehicles was stoned by community members in eShowe while on duty yesterday (Sunday).

The Department's paramedics were responding to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) involving a motorbike at Obanjeni Reserve when they were attacked by members of the public.

It is alleged that while the EMS team was stabilising the biker, a commotion broke out between bystanders and the biker's friends.

Tensions escalated, and members of the community began pelting the bikers friends with stones. In an effort to avoid harm, our EMS personnel grabbed their medical tools and fled as the crowd began throwing stones at the ambulance, damaging its windshield.'

"What happened in eShowe is disturbing and deeply regrettable. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Damaging state property is a crime, and it's even worse when our EMS crews get attacked while trying to help people who are distressed and desperate for help. We urge the public to refrain from such acts, as they are unacceptable. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such things, because this kind of help could be needed by you and I tomorrow," said MEC Simelane.

"We need all our EMS vehicles on the road, serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The damage to this ambulance will inevitably cause downtime, as repairs must be made to ensure its safety and roadworthiness."

A case of damage to property has been registered with eShowe SAPS.