An Eastern Cape emergency medical services ambulance crew was robbed at gunpoint in New Brighton early on Wednesday morning, the provincial health department said.
Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo told News24 the crew had been dispatched to Madala Street at 00:20 and arrived at 00:33.
“Two escorts lured them into an alley under the impression they will take them to the patient,” Kupelo said.
“A gun was produced and the crew robbed at gun point.”
The robbers also took the ambulance keys and the crew had to be picked up and taken back to base by another crew while police secured the ambulance.
“A spare key was later used. I’m also told an hour later a private ambulance was also robbed,” Kupelo said.
“A private counsellor was engaged for psychological treatment of the crew. The crew is uninjured and just naturally stressed.”
This was the second time this year that an Eastern Cape EMS crew had been robbed in New Brighton, with another crew robbed in May. There had also been four other such incidents reported across Port Elizabeth recently.
“In once incident, a gunshot patient was shot and killed instantly while being loaded into an ambulance.”
The department was concerned by these attacks since they were providing an essential service to the community, criminals included.
“Even in war zones, health services are not targeted. We are calling on community members to work with the police in isolating criminal elements in the community.”
Source – News24
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