SEDIBENG.- The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has condemned the continued targeting of healthcare workers while they are discharging their duties in communities by criminals who rob them of their belongings.

Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Health’s spokesperson said that the recent incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, at approximately 02:15, where two-armed suspects gained unlawful entry at the Evaton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station and stole a jump bag, a drug bag, the Station Manager’s Communication Press to Talk Radio, an employee’s personal cellphone, and an ambulance key.

Male crew member assaulted

Furthermore, during the incident, a male crew member sustained a head laceration after being assaulted with a firearm, and a female crew member was threatened at gunpoint.

The female crew member is said to have successfully escaped and activated the vehicle’s siren, causing the suspects to flee the scene.

Robbery case opened

The Department has since opened a robbery case at the local police station for further investigation.

“An injury on duty has been registered for the injured crew member, and trauma counselling services have been provided to the affected employees.  The GDoH once again appeals to communities to work with law enforcement agencies to report any information that might assist the police in bringing perpetrators to book.”