Paramedic appears in Standerton court over theft of emergency vehicle tyres
The case was postponed to October 26.
A paramedic at the Standerton Hospital appeared in court recently in connection with the theft of tyres from an emergency services bakkie in August.
The Standerton Magistrate’s Court granted Praisegod Nkambule (49), employed at the hospital, bail of R2 000 on September 11.
The tyres were allegedly stolen on the night of August 6 while the emergency vehicle was parked at the home of an emergency services employee in Standerton.
According to Standerton police spokesperson Sergeant Sipho Ndaba, police arrested Nkambule on September 10. His case was postponed to October 26 for further investigation.
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Residents in Standerton and surrounding communities had raised concerns at the time about possible delays in responding to medical emergencies following the tyre theft.
Pheello Mlotshwa, a leader of Team Ngenelela, said the theft placed residents at greater risk, particularly those who rely on emergency services for urgent medical assistance. Mlotshwa welcomed the arrest but said it was concerning that the suspect was an emergency services worker.
“It is shocking that the suspect in the case is a paramedic, allegedly stealing tools that are supposed to be used to attend to emergencies.
“As Team Ngenelela, we welcome his arrest and we hope it will be a lesson to others who are committing crime within public institutions.
“We believe justice will take its course,” said Mlotshwa.
