Protesters at Phalane village outside Northam allegedly assaulted a paramedic and set alight a newly bought ambulance during protest action early this morning (Thursday).
It was reported that two Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were travelling from Mokopane to Northam after responding to a call when they were stopped by persons busy with a service delivery protest. One paramedic managed to escape but protestors took hold of the other and badly assaulted him, it was learnt.
Department of Health Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said both paramedics were admitted to Thabazimbi Hospital for medical attention and counselling. He added that Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba harshly condemned and expressed outrage about the incident.
She reportedly said: “The department tries hard to increase our EMS fleet on an annual basis in order to address community concerns of backlogs which affect our turnaround time of responding to emergencies, but if the very same communities see no wrong in destroying the very same fleet then we are in trouble.”
She called on community members to respect and protect EMS personnel, even when protesting. Provincial Police Spokesperson Monatse Mamabolo confirmed the incident and said protesters burnt the said ambulance as well as a truck which they had used to barricade the road. He indicated that there have opened cases of theft and malicious damage to property and while no one has been arrested yet investigations are underway. Mamabolo emphasised that the Police managed to restore order and clear the road.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
