TimesLive reports that paramedics working in some of the most violent areas get danger pay of only R300 a month.  This is despite attacks increasing to such a degree that they enter areas classified as "red zones" only with a police escort.  

"Red zones" are where emergency services workers have been attacked, where gang warfare is rife or where there are violent protests.  Western Cape emergency services manager Pumzile Papu indicated that sometimes in one weekend they were robbed more than twice.  Western Cape health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said this was because medical personnel were seen as soft targets.  Last month six paramedics were robbed at gunpoint in Johannesburg.  Last week three nurses were hijacked and robbed in KwaZulu-Natal.  Traumatised Western Cape emergency services workers have joined health department officials and the police on a campaign to improve safety.

• Read this report by Aron Hyman in full at TimesLive

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