KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Ms Nomagugu Simelane, has strongly condemned an incident in eShowe where an EMS ambulance was stoned by community members while responding to an emergency. The attack occurred on Sunday when paramedics were attending to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) involving a motorbike at Obanjeni Reserve.
The paramedics were stabilizing the injured biker when tensions between bystanders and the biker’s friends escalated into violence. According to reports, the conflict prompted some community members to start throwing stones at the biker’s friends. Amid the commotion, the paramedics grabbed their medical equipment and fled as the angry crowd began attacking the ambulance, damaging its windshield.
MEC Simelane expressed her shock and outrage over the incident. “What happened in eShowe is disturbing and deeply regrettable. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Damaging state property is a crime, and it’s even worse when our EMS crews get attacked while trying to help people who are distressed and desperate for help,” she said.
Simelane further urged the public to consider the consequences of such actions. “We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such things, because this kind of help could be needed by you and I tomorrow.”
The MEC also highlighted the operational setbacks caused by the damage to the ambulance. “We need all our EMS vehicles on the road, serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The damage to this ambulance will inevitably cause downtime, as repairs must be made to ensure its safety and roadworthiness.”
A case of damage to property has been opened with the eShowe SAPS, and investigations are underway to bring those responsible to justice.