Ambulance crew robbed at gunpoint while responding to a call in Angelo

The Gauteng Department of Health has raised concerns over the continued attacks on emergency medical service (EMS) personnel after ambulance crew members were recently robbed at gunpoint while responding to a call-out in Angelo informal settlement.

According to the provincial health department, the EMS personnel, also known as the Green Angels, were at the garage corner of Field and Main Reef roads waiting for a security escort to attend to a call in the informal settlement when they were accosted by a gang of gunmen.
The robbers reportedly aimed guns at the personnel and took their belongings, cellphones and wallets among other things, before fleeing the scene.
The matter was reported to the local police.

Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the Angelo attack on EMS personnel is not an isolated incident and he stated that the department condemns the attacks on emergency services personnel.

In January this year, EMS pleaded with Reiger Park community to report criminals attacking ambulance crews following a spate of attacks on EMS staff in the area. Medical personnel were in all the reported incidents robbed at gunpoint.

At the time, the identified hotspots were Reiger Park, Eldorado Park, Alexandra and Eersterust. These incident prompted EMS workers to stage a march through the streets of Reiger Park against the attacks on paramedics.

Modiba pointed out that this year alone 11 attacks on ambulance crews have been recorded across the province.

“These incidents do not only put the lives of the Green Angels in danger but make it difficult for them to provide emergency medical services to those who desperately need them.
“These incidents include, among others, an attempted sexual assault, hijacking, damage to an ambulance after being pelted with stones and armed robbery where personal belongings such as cellphones, wallets, and bags were taken.”

A total of 12 incidents were recorded in 2021.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi also raised concern over the growing number of attacks on paramedics but commended the personnel for remaining committed to serving communities despite all these attacks.
“Despite the attacks, the Green Angels continue to diligently respond to the increased volume of calls.”

She appeals to local communities to assist police in ensuring that those responsible for the attacks are brought to book for their crimes, as such attacks seek to rob citizens of the basic right to emergency medical services.

Mokgethi pointed out that the department continues to raise awareness on this matter, and will be engaging with community structures and security clusters on finding solutions to curb the attacks.
Over 490 000 calls were received by the Gauteng EMS communication centre between September 2021 and August 2022.

The Advertiser is still awaiting comment from the Boksburg North police.

Also Read: EMS plead with Reiger Park community to report criminals attacking ambulance crews