Armed suspects allegedly fire at Gauteng ambulance during patient transfer

Two Gauteng EMS officials were forced to flee after armed suspects allegedly spiked their ambulance and opened fire on them while they were transporting a patient on the N1 in the early hours of Saturday.

Two Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials were forced to flee for their lives after armed suspects opened fire on their ambulance while they were transporting a patient in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) condemned the attack, which happened at about 1.30am on August 29 on the N1 highway shortly after Phumlani Plaza.

The EMS crew was transporting a patient from Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to Jubilee Hospital for a down-referral when the ambulance was reportedly spiked.

The officials stopped to assess the vehicle, unaware that they were about to come under attack.

According to the GDoH, two male suspects approached the ambulance and fired shots at the officials.

“GDoH condemns in the strongest terms the armed attack on two Gauteng EMS personnel while performing their duties in the early hours of this morning,”

One fled on foot and sought safety in a nearby area, while the other managed to drive away from the scene.

The Emergency Communication Centre was alerted following the incident, prompting Gauteng EMS management, other available crews and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to respond.

The GDoH said the patient remained stable and was transferred to another ambulance before being safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.

“Following the incident, the Emergency Communication Centre was alerted, and Gauteng EMS management, other available EMS crews and the SAPS responded. The patient remained stable, was transferred to another ambulance and safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.”

The two EMS officials were subsequently taken to a medical facility for assessment.

The department has also activated its Employee Wellness services to assist the officials following the traumatic incident.

“The department has activated its Employee Wellness services and is providing emotional and psychological support to assist the officials in dealing with the trauma arising from the incident.”