Pretoria - An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employee was shot dead during an armed robbery incident at the Odi EMS base, Tshwane District in Pretoria on Saturday, says Gauteng Department of Health.
According to the department, the paramedic was shot in the abdomen while on duty. He was then taken to hospital but succumbed to his injuries and died on Sunday. A cellphone was stolen from the incident.
The department’s MEC Gwen Ramokgopa on Monday expressed shock and sadness following the incident that occurred around 7.45pm when the deceased was on duty.
“I’m shocked and disheartened by this sad and callous incident. Senior officials of the department visited the family and we will work with law enforcement agencies to bring those who have done this to justice. We urge members of the community to come forward with information that could lead to apprehension of the suspects,” said MEC Ramokgopa.
Dr Ramokgopa further called on the community to protect EMS vehicles and healthcare workers who provide critical services.
“These paramedics are members of our community at the service of citizens in need of emergency care. The other affected officials are currently undergoing post-traumatic stress counselling.
“We send our condolences to the family of the deceased and all those affected by this terrible and unfortunate incident,” said the MEC.
Condolences to family of mental patient
Meanwhile, the MEC also expressed her sincere condolences following the death of a mental health patient who passed away at Kalafong Hospital on Friday.
“The department is still trying to locate his family or next of kin and has informed the Mental Review Board,” she said.
The patient has been hospitalised since 20 February 2017 suffering from diabetes related complications. - SAnews.gov.za
