Steenberg police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property after two paramedics were attacked in Lavender Hill.
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) members were attacked on the corner of Military Road and Prince George Drive after responding to a call-out in Seawinds on Sunday March 29 at 1:40am.
On their way back to their base they were approached from the side of the vehicle by a suspect with a gun. The crew accelerated to get away and the vehicle was stoned. They proceeded to Steenberg police immediately to open a case. Fortunately, there were no injuries and the paramedics received counsel-
ling.
This brings the number of attacks on EMS members to four in one week and 12 since the beginning of the year.
Dr Shaheem de Vries, director of EMS, asked for the community’s assistance to investigate those responsible for the attacks. “We strongly condemn these senseless attacks on our EMS officials and vehicles. We are appealing to the community, and urging you to assist if you have any details that could help with the investigation of these incidents,” says Dr De Vries.
She added that the emergency services are currently facing challenging service pressures with Covid-19 causing havoc in the country. “This is a period when emergency medical services will be in demand at community level, even more than usual, in the public health system. The Western Cape Govern-
ment Health is appealing to the public
to refrain from attacking officials who are rendering a crucial service during this dire time. Anyone with informa-
tion on any of the incidents should report it to the nearest police station,” she said.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed the case and said the suspects threw a brick though the ambulance vehicle window but they weren’t able to take anything because the driver sped away.
“Fortunately there was no injury but the case is being investigated. Anyone with information about the incident can contact the station,” he said.
Steenberg police can be contacted on on 021 702 9000 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.