Pretoria - An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedic was shot dead during an armed robbery at an EMS base in Tshwane.
According to the Gauteng department of health, the paramedic was shot in the abdomen while on duty at about 7.45pm on Saturday. He was then taken to hospital where he died on Sunday. A cellphone was stolen during the incident.
Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa on Monday expressed shock and sadness following the incident, saying: "I'm shocked and disheartened by this sad and callous incident. Senior officials of the department visited the family and we will work with law enforcement agencies to bring those who have done this to justice.
"We urge members of the community to come forward with information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects."
She further called on the community to protect EMS vehicles and healthcare workers who provided critical services.
"These paramedics are members of our community, at the service of citizens in need of emergency care. The other affected officials are currently undergoing post-traumatic stress counseling.
"We send our condolences to the family of the deceased and all those affected by this terrible and unfortunate incident," said the MEC.
African News Agency