The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has condemned the armed robbery and hostage ordeal of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew in Eshowe, warning that attacks on first responders are becoming an alarming trend across the province.
The incident occurred last week while paramedics were responding to an emergency call involving a stabbing victim.
According to police, the EMS crew was treating the injured patient when they were allegedly ambushed by armed suspects. The attackers forced the paramedics back into their ambulance at gunpoint and held them hostage for several hours.
The suspects allegedly stole the crew's cellphones and forced them to carry out financial transactions at various locations, including a liquor store. It is also understood that the paramedics were forced to strip naked before the suspects fled the scene.
KwaZulu-Natal Health Department spokesperson Nathi Olifant said although the paramedics were not physically injured, the traumatic incident has left them deeply affected.
He described the attack as a disturbing example of how emergency workers are increasingly becoming targets of violent crime while carrying out their duties.
"It is a sad indictment on our society that we are the only communities who would call upon public help only to abuse and rob the very people deployed to save us. We trust that the law will take its course and make an example of these culprits. It is high time that we as communities say enough is enough," said Olifant.
He appealed to members of the public to assist police in bringing those responsible to justice.
"Surely someone knows who committed this brutal act? We encourage anyone with information to come forward and report these criminals," he said.
The department has reiterated its support for the affected paramedics and called on communities to protect emergency personnel who risk their lives daily to provide critical medical assistance.