KANYAMAZANE – “If it wasn’t for a patient in active labour, our ambulance would have been destroyed.”
These were the words of Mr Jacques Ainslie of Hi-Tech Medical Services, after they were threatened during one of the many ongoing protests in the Lowveld.
On their way to Kiaat Hospital at 07:00 on Wednesday a male patient from KaNyamazane was transported without any hiccups, but on their way back, the protesters had completely barricaded the road near the patient’s home.
The paramedics were forced out of the ambulance and threatened. The vehicle was stoned and glass bottles were hurled at it.
In the meantime, another patient who was in active labour on her way to Rob Ferreira Hospital, was also refused passage.
The paramedics pleaded with the protesters to let them through to attend to the patient, and after more threats, were eventually allowed to transport her to hospital safely.
None of the paramedics were injured in the incident. ANC members are dissatisfied with the outcomes of the municipal or ward candidate nominations. The strike started last Sunday and is becoming progressively more aggressive. ANC strongly condemns protests
Other areas affected include Eshweni and Pienaar. Mr Mandla Ndlovu, the ANC’s provincial secretary said, “There is no need for communities or members of our party to vent their anger by taking to the streets. You are infringing on other people’s rights when blocking the roads and destroying property.”
Also read: Sabie’s protests: “our fight is more important than the town making money.”
