Cape Town – A suspected criminal was reportedly attacked and killed inside an ambulance during a mob justice incident in Atteridgeville, Tshwane on Monday.
Gauteng Department of Health said EMS emergency medical services personnel were also attacked during the incident.
EMS members were allegedly called about a patient being assaulted and in a critical condition in Mshongoville informal settlement.
“A call was made to the Gauteng emergency communication centre at around 19:44. An ambulance was dispatched to the area at 20:00. A police escort was requested to allow the response team to enter the area safely,” the department said in a statement.
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The patient was found on the ground surrounded by members of the community.
“Paramedics were able to initiate treatment and prepared to transport the patient to the nearest hospital. As the ambulance was getting ready to leave the scene, community members started throwing stones and barricaded the road to prevent the ambulance leaving,” read the statement.
The department said the patient had allegedly been accused of committing a crime and angry residents demanded justice.
“Paramedics ran for cover as they were now under attack. Unfortunately, the patient was further fatally assaulted while on an ambulance stretcher. The ambulance was extensively damaged and medical equipment was stolen. A case has been opened with the police,” said the department.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
