Emergency bakkie tyres stolen, leaving Lekwa community vulnerable
The theft has reportedly made it difficult for the emergency personnel to respond to incidents across the community.
The recent theft of tyres from an emergency services bakkie has left residents in Standerton and surrounding communities concerned about delays in responding to medical emergencies.
The tyres were allegedly stolen on the night of August 6 while the bakkie was parked at the home of an emergency personnel member in Standerton.
The vehicle plays an important role in providing immediate emergency assistance to residents while they wait for an ambulance to arrive.
The theft has reportedly made it difficult for the emergency personnel to respond to incidents across the community.
Pheello Mlotshwa, a leader of Team Ngenelela, said the theft has placed residents at greater risk, particularly those who depend on the emergency vehicle for urgent assistance.
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“Criminals have made our lives difficult by stealing the tyres of an emergency vehicle, making it difficult for emergency personnel to attend to community emergencies,” said Mlotshwa.
He said the organisation recently lost a community member allegedly because of a delayed ambulance response. Mlotshwa recalled a recent incident involving an elderly person who required urgent medical attention.
According to him, the emergency personnel was unable to attend because the tyres of the emergency bakkie had been stolen.
“The bakkie plays an essential role in emergency response, including road accidents and health emergencies that require urgent attention.
“The emergency personnel is often the first to arrive at a scene before other emergency assistance can reach the area,” he said.
Mlotshwa condemned the theft, warning the perpetrators that their actions affect the entire community and could put lives at risk.
“How can someone steal something that is valuable even to his own life? This is a serious crime against humanity because it deprives the community of its right to access medical services,” he said.
He added that Team Ngenelela would work with law-enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable.
“We will work hand in hand with law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and punished for this crime against the community,” said Mlotshwa.
Standerton police spokesperson, Sergeant Johanees Ndaba has confirmed the incident and said a case of theft out of motovehicle was opened, no arrest was made at this stage as the investigation continues.
