Metro condemns Atteridgeville mob justice killing
In addition to attacking the man, the mob also attacked Gauteng emergency medical services (EMS) first responders and looted supplies from the ambulance.
The metro has registered its strong condemnation of the November 21 incident in Atteridgeville in which an irate mob attacked and killed a patient in the back of an ambulance.
MMC for community safety, Grandi Thenuissen said: “The entire incident is unacceptable criminal behaviour”.
“Even more concerning is the trend of attacks and robberies of paramedics while on duty serving our communities.”
In addition to attacking the man, the mob also attacked Gauteng emergency medical services (EMS) first responders and looted supplies from the ambulance.
“No community or resident has the right to take the law into their own hands. We have a well-functioning justice system in the country,” Theunissen continued.
The responders, also known as Green Angels came under attack while attending to a victim of another mob assault in Mshongoville informal settlement.
When the Angels arrived at the scene at 20:00 after receiving a call at 19:44, a mob had already viciously assaulted a man it accused of various criminal activities in the community.
ALSO READ: Atteridgeville mob kills patient inside ambulance
As the responders loaded the now critical patient into the van to transport him, residents barricaded the road and began throwing stones to prevent the man from being taken away.
“Paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers work hard to serve the very same communities that sometimes attack them. Under no circumstances should they have to fear for their safety when executing their duties.”
The Angels were able to flee from the mob but the patient succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.
The EMS personnel injured during the incident were taken to Kalafong tertiary provincial hospital for treatment.
“I want to wish the Gauteng EMS paramedics a speedy recovery. I would also like to call on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and to bring those guilty of these heinous crimes to justice without delay,” said Theunissen.
The Gauteng health department states that so far there have been 12 attacks on first responders this year. Some of the crimes inflicted on emergency responders include hijackings, robberies, vandalism and attempted sexual assault.
The department urges residents to refrain from engaging in such actions and allow responders to do their work. The metro also supports this sentiment.
Measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of EMS personnel responding to scenes of trauma.
“It is important that we allow trained law enforcement officials to do their work,” Theunissen concluded.
Residents are reminded to report crime to the SAPS on 10111 or the Tshwane metro police on 012 358 7095/7096 or 012 323 0035/0036.
ALSO READ: Atteridgeville gets a new station commander
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
