An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff member has died following a smash-and-grab incident in Elsies River, with authorities still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, Cape Argus reported.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that the 57-year-old employee died on Thursday after an incident near the intersection of Van Riebeeck Drive and Epping Avenue.
According to a report by Cape Argus, speculation circulated on social media that the victim had pursued suspects after his cellphone was allegedly stolen, although officials have not confirmed those claims.
The department stressed that the staff member was not shot during the incident and said the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness strongly condemns all attacks on our Emergency Medical Services personnel and our patients,” the department said in a statement.
“We can confirm that on Thursday, June 18, an Emergency Medical Services team member tragically passed away following a smash-and-grab incident in the vicinity of Van Riebeeck Drive and Epping Avenue.
“We can further confirm that our staff member was not shot.
“At this stage, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and the cause of death remain under investigation.”
The department said it is working closely with the South African Police Service and is providing support to the deceased employee’s family and colleagues.
“We extend our sincere condolences to our staff member’s family, loved ones and colleagues during this deeply difficult time,” the department said.
“We are currently working to ensure that the staff member’s family has been informed, and we ask for sensitivity and respect for their privacy. Counselling services have been made available to our teams following the passing of our staff member.”
Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger described the incident as deeply distressing and reiterated the need to protect frontline healthcare workers.
“Our EMS personnel are dedicated public healthcare workers who serve communities around the clock, often under challenging and dangerous conditions, to save lives,” Wenger said.
“They must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence. Attacks on those who have committed their lives to caring for others are unacceptable and deeply distressing.”
Police have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk said officers responded to the incident at about 2pm on Thursday in Riebeeck Street, opposite an open field in Leonsdale, Elsies River.
“Elsies River police registered an inquest for investigation following an incident in which a 57-year-old man died,” Van Wyk said.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. No visible injuries could be seen on his body. He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.”
Van Wyk said a postmortem examination would be conducted to determine the cause of death. No arrests have been made.
Police have appealed to anyone with information relating to the incident to contact the investigating officer at Elsies River SAPS on 021 928 1400.
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Genevieve Serra
iol.co.za