Limpopo EMS crew robbed at gunpoint after fake emergency call

A Limpopo EMS crew was robbed at gunpoint on Wednesday morning following a fake emergency call in Sekhukhune. According to the preliminary report, the EMS crew from Philadelphia Station in Moutse was responding to an emergency call that happened to be bait at Kgobokwane Village. They were then ambushed and robbed at gunpoint.

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Valuables such as cellphones, jewellery, and cash were taken. One crew member was even forced to transfer money using her banking app.

“The Department of Health in Limpopo condemns with full contempt the brazen robbery of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew in the early hours of today. The EMS personnel are dedicated to saving lives and providing essential medical care to those in need. It is unacceptable that they were subjected to such a heinous and criminal act,” said MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba.

“This despicable act not only endangers the lives of our dedicated EMS workers. But also compromises their ability to respond to genuine medical emergencies promptly.”

CRIMINALS CONDEMNED EMS CREW ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN LIMPOPO

MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has also described the incident as utterly deplorable.

“The safety and security of our EMS personnel are paramount. Any attack on them is an attack on the entire healthcare system and the community we serve.

“We cannot tolerate such violence against those who are committed to saving lives and providing vital healthcare services to our communities,” explained MEC Ramathuba.

The Department has urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the criminal act and bring the perpetrators to book. They have also called on the community to assist the authorities in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this reprehensible crime.

“We appeal to the community to stand together against such criminal acts. To support our EMS teams as they continue to serve with dedication and selflessness. Any information that may assist in the apprehension of the perpetrators should be reported to the authorities without delay,” said the MEC.