RANDBURG – Netcare 911 suspended two of its paramedics on 12 November who allegedly helped a white motorist and refused to help a black one during a road rage incident on 8 November. The incident started on Malibongwe Drive in Randburg, and ended on the N1 Highway just before the Beyers Naudé Drive onramp.
The white motorist allegedly struck the black motorist at least three times with an axe, and is appearing in Randburg Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and malicious damage to property [see previous article]. Two Netcare 911 paramedics arrived on scene. They allegedly helped the white motorist, but refused to help the injured black motorist.
Netcare 911 managing director Noeleen Phillipson said on 13 November that the paramedics were suspended after Netcare 911 received access to a video of their actions. “It is against our company protocols and values for paramedics to prematurely leave the scene of an incident unless there is a very good reason for them to do so,” she said. “A full investigation is underway and we will take appropriate action once the investigation has been concluded.
“We wish to give the assurance that Netcare 911 does not discriminate against individuals on any basis. This is evidenced by the fact that, in the past year alone, Netcare 911 has assisted close on 6 000 indigent patients,” she added. The black motorist was allegedly struck with the axe twice on the head and once on his arm. He is a Cosmo City resident.
Details: Netcare 911 010 209 8911.
