Cape Town – South African Police Service (SAPS) officers who escorted an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team to Gugulethu was shot at, the Western Cape Health department said on Thursday.
Emergency Medical and Forensic Pathology Services spokesman, Robert Daniels said EMS received a call from NY147 in Gugulethu on Wednesday night at around 10.10pm of a patient who was allegedly coughing and vomiting.
"This being a red zone, a police escort was requested who immediately assisted EMS on their arrival to the area. Police escorted the crew to the address when the police vehicle was shot at critically injuring one SAPS member," Daniels said.
"SAPS returned fire killing one shooter and critically injuring another. The injured were transported by WCGH EMS to nearby medical facilities. The EMS staff members involved were severely traumatised more so as this was not the first time these specific EMS members lives’ were placed in danger under similar circumstances. They have been and will be receiving more trauma counselling."
There have been numerous attacks on EMS personnel in the Western Cape in the past where they have been robbed for their belongings.