IOL reports that the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has condemned two incidents, in one of which an ambulance was hijacked and in the other of which a hospital was vandalised and healthcare workers robbed while on duty.

In the first incident, several shots were fired before criminals hijacked an ambulance at Pholansikazi community health centre on Sunday morning. “According to reports, some unknown men pointed a firearm at security personnel stationed at the entrance of Pholansikazi community health centre on Sunday morning. The men proceeded to fire three shots at the driver of the emergency medical services (EMS) before making off with an ambulance,” spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi reported. The hijacked ambulance was recovered within two kilometres from the crime scene. The driver of the ambulance was slightly injured and received medical attention. The other incident happened last weekend at the Carolina Hospital in Mpumalanga. When one of the persons taken to the hospital for medical assistance succumbed to his injuries, his associates started vandalising the hospital. They also attacked and robbed the hospital staff on duty at the time. Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, condemned the incidents and said “the barbaric and heartlessness displayed towards healthcare workers must never be allowed to thrive”. He indicated that the provincial authorities would continue with ongoing work to identify security threats at healthcare facilities.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jonisayi Maromo at IOL

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