02 February 2022

KWAZULU-Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a young, lone gunman who fled after shooting two paramedics during an attempted robbery at KwaMashu Community Health Centre (CHC) in the early hours of this morning.

It is alleged that the gunman gained access into the Emergency Medical Services base (situated inside KwaMashu CHC) by scaling a 1.8m perimeter fence, at about 02h30.

When he confronted a paramedic and demanded a cellphone, the man resisted. A scuffle ensued and a 55 year-old paramedic was shot in the abdomen.

After hearing the gunshot, other paramedics and security officials rushed out and got engaged in another tussle with the gunman, who fired another shot, hitting the second paramedic, aged 58, in the chest.

The perpetrator, who is believed to be in his 20s, was eventually disarmed, but attempts to apprehend him did not succeed as he bolted from the scene, leaving his pistol and a jacket behind.

Meanwhile, the two paramedics were rushed to a Durban hospital, where they continue to receive medical attention in an Intensive Care Unit ward.

Reacting to the incident this morning, MEC Simelane says she is shocked and disgusted, and has called for justice to take its course.

"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.

"We are nevertheless relieved that their lives have been spared, and hope that they will make a speedy and full recovery.

"But incidents such as these are a sign of the times. As society, we need to ask ourselves if this is the life we want to live, where criminals run amok, and ordinary people’s lives are cheapened to a point that they can be taken over a cell phone.

"It's even worse when you consider that these paramedics were attacked at their place of work, which is supposed to be a sanctuary.

"These are people who left their homes and came to work with the understanding that emergencies happen at any time of day, and as paramedics they vowed to be there for their fellow countrymen in case they get sick or injured and need urgent medical attention. But this is the thanks they get.

"An incident such as this really should have no place in our society. It is reprehensible, and we call on the community to work with law enforcement authorities to bring this perpetrator to book, so that he can face the full consequences of his actions."