Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Private Ambulance Association (KZNPAA) has condemned a mob attack on a private ambulance service near Lions River in the Midlands.
St Michael’s Ambulance Service spokesperson Charles Newborn said that on Saturday two paramedics were dispatched in a VW Transporter Ambulance to Lions River where a patient was experiencing breathing difficulties.
“When they approached the patient’s house they came under attack from an angry mob who threw rocks at the ambulance and began to physically hit the vehicle in an attempt to gain entry into the ambulance. Some quick thinking from the crew allowed them to rapidly escape the situation,” Newborn said.
“Once the crew escaped the mob they were then pursued by a vehicle with numerous occupants. The ambulance crew proceeded to Howick SAPS for safety. We were informed that we were the second ambulance in the space of 30 minutes to have been in the same situation at the same location,” Newborn said.
None of the paramedics was injured.
“They were not able to provide assistance to the patient who needed urgent medical care due to the threat to their own lives,” Newborn said.
He said the ambulances would no longer go into the townships.
“This is a sad occasion and definitely not a decision I have taken lightly. One definite factor was alcohol without the law being upheld. I believe our police force did try to intervene but greater assistance was needed. The patient can come to the R103 but the crews will not enter the township. This is as a direct result of their threats and violence. They need to accept that there are always consequences to one’s actions.”
uMngeni Municipality ward 9 PR councillor Sphesihle Zondi said the community leaders would go on a fact-finding mission to get to the cause of the problem.
“It was quite unfortunate.The distressing part is it happened twice. Details of why it happened are mere speculation and that it could be an act of criminality. Healthcare is essential to any community. An interim solution will be police escorts for these ambulances,” he said.
KZNPAA spokesperson Garrith Jamieson condemned any attack on any ambulance, whether state or private.
“During this terrible time the country is facing our colleagues are on the frontlines putting their lives at risk to be attacked by an angered community. We are aware of the delays to assist, however these are beyond our control and all ambulances are stretched thin,” Jamieson said.
He urged all community members to respect emergency personnel.
“We do not want any ambulances refusing to enter a hostile area. The paramedics deserve to work freely and not be concerned for their safety,” Jamieson concluded.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said Howick SAPS was investigating the allegations.
The provincial Department of Health did not comment at the time of publication.
Daily News