An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff member died in pursuit of robbers during a smash-and-grab incident in Elsies River on Thursday.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said it condemned the attack and they were informed that the employee was not shot.
The circumstances surrounding the cause of death are under investigation.
The EMS staff member was attacked along Van Riebeeck Drive and Epping Avenue in a smash-and-grab robbery.
The department said it also has to be confirmed whether any of his personal belongings were taken during the incident.
Meanwhile, social media was abuzz with information that his cellphone had been snatched and that he apparently went in pursuit of the robbers.
“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness strongly condemns all attacks on our Emergency Medical Services personnel and our patients,” the department said.
“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 Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is collaborating fully with the South African Police Service.
“We extend our sincere condolences to our staff member’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this deeply difficult time.
“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.”
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness, said: “Our EMS personnel are dedicated public healthcare workers who serve communities around the clock, often under challenging and dangerous conditions, to save lives. 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 spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said: “Elsies River police registered an inquest for investigation following an incident this afternoon (Thursday) at about 2pm Riebeeck Street opposite the open field, Leonsdale, Elsies River, in which a 57-year-old man died. 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. A postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Investigations continues, no arrest.”
Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer on 021 928 1400.
Genevieve Serra
iol.co.za