The Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has condemned the recent attack on Tshwane Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers while responding to an incident call in Nellmapius on Saturday, 22 July 2023.
Committee Chairperson, Honorable Bandile Masuku expressed concern about the “unacceptable growing number of such incidents, where EMS workers are attacked and robbed while responding to emergencies”.
He said, “This is a worrying trend in Gauteng as it puts the lives of EMS workers at risks and compromises their ability to respond and provide health care services to those in desperate need of them.”
Meanwhile, the Committee commended the Provincial Government’s strides in introducing tracking surveillance devices on EMS vehicles to help EMS teams whenever they encounter dangerous situations.
The Committee further calls on law enforcement to act with speed in apprehending perpetrators of these senseless crimes and bring them to book.
“There can never be a no-go area for EMS workers while carrying out their responsibilities. And to have them escorted by Police or Security Officers in some areas paints a worrying picture of the level of crime and lawlessness in our Province,” Hon. Masuku continued.
The Committee urges communities to work with law enforcement agencies to end attacks on EMS works, as these sabotage efficient emergency responses.
For interview requests with the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee:
Mr Thebe Khumalo
Cell: 072 266 1021
E-mail: TKhumalo@gpl.gov.za
