Criminal gangs targeting paramedics in South Africa
Published: 2013 July 06 07:36:49 (4736 Views)
Cape Town paramedics are under siege from criminals who attack and rob them while they try to save lives.
The non-profit organisation Refreshing Emergency Services Together (Rest) revealed that attacks have escalated this year.
Rest founder Lianne Vinello-Lippert said there had been seven incidents in the last two weeks in which paramedics were held at gunpoint and robbed of equipment, medication, jewellery and cellphones.
She said robberies were rife across the city - from Mitchells Plain and Milnerton to upmarket Constantia.
"Sadly, these things happen all over, even in so-called safe areas. One paramedic had a gun pointed at his head while going to a patient's house. Another responded to a hoax call only to be robbed at gun-point," said Vinello-Lippert.
"The problem has become worse over the last six months. Paramedics are scared but they cannot stay away from work. Some have asked for a police escort but that is impossible."
Angelique Jordaan, spokesman for the Western Cape health department, said 10 attacks have been reported in the city this year.
Site B in Khayelitsha and suburbs where gang activity is rife have been identified as hot spots.
Health MEC Theuns Botha said his department was considering hiring armed guards to escort ambulances.
- Timeslive
The non-profit organisation Refreshing Emergency Services Together (Rest) revealed that attacks have escalated this year.
Rest founder Lianne Vinello-Lippert said there had been seven incidents in the last two weeks in which paramedics were held at gunpoint and robbed of equipment, medication, jewellery and cellphones.
She said robberies were rife across the city - from Mitchells Plain and Milnerton to upmarket Constantia.
"Sadly, these things happen all over, even in so-called safe areas. One paramedic had a gun pointed at his head while going to a patient's house. Another responded to a hoax call only to be robbed at gun-point," said Vinello-Lippert.
"The problem has become worse over the last six months. Paramedics are scared but they cannot stay away from work. Some have asked for a police escort but that is impossible."
Angelique Jordaan, spokesman for the Western Cape health department, said 10 attacks have been reported in the city this year.
Site B in Khayelitsha and suburbs where gang activity is rife have been identified as hot spots.
Health MEC Theuns Botha said his department was considering hiring armed guards to escort ambulances.
- Timeslive
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