A 12-year-old Ermelo learner suffering a seizure was rushed to hospital by her uncle and two accompanying teachers, but the emergency trip ended in a heated confrontation with two traffic officers, who allegedly used pepper spray inside the Ermelo Mediclinic’s emergency ward, and the uncle’s subsequent arrest.

Ayanda Nhlapho said her child had a seizure while writing exams. She contacted her brother, Nhlanhla Maseko, to rush her to the hospital, reports Highvelder.

“I just wanted her to get help immediately,” said Nhlapho.

Two teachers accompanied them: One drove with Maseko and the child while the other followed in a separate vehicle.

As they approached the intersection near Pick n Pay, Maseko was stopped at a traffic checkpoint.

“My brother indicated to the officers it was a medical emergency, but they still followed him to the hospital,” Nhlapho said.

One of the teachers who followed in the other car also stopped to explain the situation to the officers.

Despite this, two traffic officers reportedly pursued the vehicle to the hospital premises.

When the group arrived, Maseko carried the child, who was still in distress, into the emergency room. An argument ensued between the officers and Maseko over his failure to stop at the roadblock.

Hospital staff intervened to take the child for treatment, but the officers continued confronting Maseko.

Pepper spray in ER: Uncle arrested

Overwhelmed and emotional, Maseko reportedly tried to explain that he had prioritised the child’s life. When the officers attempted to arrest him, he pushed them away, trying to explain the situation.

During the confrontation, they allegedly sprayed him with pepper spray inside the emergency area. Police were later called to the hospital, where Maseko was arrested and taken into custody.

He faced charges of obstructing or resisting a traffic officer, but according to information received by the Highvelder, he was released, and all charges were dropped.

Family seeks justice after confrontation

The child was admitted for treatment following the seizure and is currently stable.

The events have left the family traumatised, and they intend to pursue legal action once the child’s condition improves.

“We just want justice. What happened inside that hospital was unacceptable,” Nhlapho added.

The Highvelder contacted Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, police spokesperson, but he was in a meeting at the time of publication.

The newspaper also reached out to Moeti Mmusi, head of communications at the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, for comment.

The newspaper will reach out to all relevant parties for comment, including the school, the hospital, family members and provincial authorities, and will provide updates as responses are received.

This story will be updated once responses are received.