MEC condemns hijacking, burning of KZN ambulance
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo has condemned the hijacking and burning of an ambulance in Empolweni in the uMgungundlovu District last night.
According to the department, the paramedics were lured to Location D15 in Empolweni after receiving a call about a woman in labour.
On arrival, the medics were held at gunpoint by two men.
The suspects robbed the crew of their cellphones and ordered them to run.
The ambulance was then burned with all its rescue and resuscitation equipment.
"Right now we are one ambulance down. An ambulance cost us about R1-million. It's an ordinary vehicle, fitted with equipment that costs up to R1-million.
"So, burning of an ambulance is almost R1-million burnt and therefore one more ambulance out of circulation. So, all those issues are impacting negatively on our health services," he said.
Dhlomo says the medics will be receiving counselling.
(File photo)