The Citizen reports that two paramedics are currently in ICU after being shot by a lone gunman early in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), on Wednesday morning.

According to a statement released by the provincial health department, the gunman gained entry to KwaMashu community health centre with the intention to rob it by scaling a 1.8m perimeter fence. The first paramedic who confronted the gunman got into a scuffle after the man wanted his cellphone. The paramedic was then shot in the abdomen. When other paramedics and security officers heard the gunshot, they ran out to investigate, and another scuffle ensued, resulting in a second paramedic being shot in the chest. The suspect, believed to be in his 20s, was disarmed, but managed to flee the scene before he was then arrested. The paramedics were rushed to a hospital in Durban, where they remain in ICU while receiving medical attention. KZN health MEC Nomagugu Simelane reacted: “We have learned of this incident with shock and dismay. It is spine-chilling to consider that these paramedics could have lost their lives over a mere cellphone.” She lamented that such incidents were “are a sign of the times”, with people’s lives “cheapened to a point that they can be taken over a cellphone.” She added: “It’s even worse when you consider that these paramedics were attacked at their place of work, which is supposed to be a sanctuary.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Citizen

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page