Social media was abuzz on Sunday 23 and Monday 24 March after an ambulance was stolen in the Rand Park Ridge area.
A VitalMed ambulance last was seen in the Rand Park Ridge area and was stolen between 6.30pm and 7pm. VitalMed owner Eric Nicholls was horrified, stating that the ambulance was worth at least R850 000, medical equipment included. The white Mercedes-Benz Vito (registration number ND 216 753 GP) was one of two fully equipped ambulances under the VitalMed brand.
“We usually work in the Randpark Ridge, Honeydew and northern Roodepoort areas as well as further away in the northern areas of Johannesburg, and at times have been of service in the Krugersdorp area,” he told the Record.
His number was listed in many tweets and on one facebook post as the number to call if a person has a lead on the whereabouts of the ambulance.
“I have no idea why a person would steal an ambulance; it baffles me.
“The tracking company [Netstar] could not pick up a signal from it since last night.”
Local community groups such as On Florida and Crime Wall SA have been retweeting twitter updates and posting vehicle registration details, as well as a photo of the ambulance online.
Nicholls reports that statements have been taken by the Honeydew police concerning the theft.
“I’ve heard that they kept a close eye on areas such as Joburg South, Lenasia and Soweto for any updates on its whereabouts.”
Nicholls has received no leads to date.
Honeydew police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs is yet to comment.
