Paramedics came under attack in Khayelitsha

Two health personnel came under attack last week in Khayelitsha, whilst waiting for a patient in front of Matthew Goniwe Clinic.

COURTESY: Facebook - Thembokwezi Crime Watch 

The police said a paramedic was with her colleague when a branded patient transport Toyota Quantum was hijacked in front of the health facility.

‘’Report suggests that the complainant, aged 25, and her colleague, both deployed on a local ambulance, were static at a medical facility in Makhaza on Friday 21 February 2025 at around 3.20pm when seven males hijacked the vehicle and fled. The complainant reported that she was raped and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The vehicle was recovered in nearby QanduQandu. The suspects are yet to be arrested,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

He confirmed that Makhaza police are investigating cases of carjacking, kidnapping, and rape.

The Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness confirmed the incident, saying one of their HealthNET vehicles, with an EMS staff member, was hijacked on Friday

“She is severely traumatised. The department condemns this criminal incident and violence against our essential workers who are dedicated to saving lives and providing critical care. This is an ongoing SAPS investigation,’’ said Nadia Ferreira, departmental spokesperson.

An anti-gender-based violence (GBV) organisation, Ilitha Labantu, expressed concern about the incident.

“This disturbing incident, which occurred on 21 February 2025, serves as another stark reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, particularly within communities already facing significant socio-economic challenges,’’ said Siyabulela Monakali, Communications Manager at Ilitha Labantu.

‘’Following the recent release of crime statistics by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, we are further reminded of the severity of the situation in South Africa, particularly in Khayelitsha, which features prominently in these statistics. The attack highlights the dangerous environments in which many frontline workers, particularly women, are operating. This violence against emergency responders underscores the urgent need for reforms to improve safety and protect their rights,’’ he added.

COURTESY: Facebook - Thembokwezi Crime Watch 

The organisation is calling for an immediate and decisive action from law enforcement to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

‘’The justice system must address these crimes swiftly, hold offenders accountable, and provide necessary support to survivors. Additionally, the broader crisis of crime in South Africa demands immediate attention. The failure to address the escalating violence negatively impacts women, children, and communities at large. This attack is not an isolated case but part of a larger, systemic issue of crime that requires urgent intervention to safeguard all South Africans,’’ said Monakali.

‘’Ilitha Labantu calls for greater protection for frontline workers and a review of safety measures for paramedics, police officers, and others in high-risk environments. There is also an urgent need for increased investment in gender-based violence prevention programs and survivor support services.’’

‘’This attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence against women and children in South Africa. Ilitha Labantu calls on the government to take concrete action to address this issue and prioritize the safety of those who serve our communities,’’ he added.

A youth development agency, Asavela Peko Foundation, echoed Ilitha Labantu’s sentiments.

‘’ Asavela Peko Foundation wishes to join Ilitha Labantu in calling upon the South African Police Service, JP Smith's City of Cape Town Department and Premier Alan Winde's Western Cape Government's National Department of Health (South Africa) to work together in finding the 7 men accused and so they face the full might of the law,’’ it said in a statement.

‘’Apart from that, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi's department must make security provision (SAPS, Law Enforcement, Soldiers/Private Armed Response etc) for the paramedics, health employees and facilities for safeguarding purposes. Our country, especially the Western Cape our communities have become nothing but an onslaught and a devils playground. We need to put an end to this trend, and communities must unite and put their foot down, enough is enough,’’ it added.

 Khayelitsha COSATU Local Condemns Hijacking of Department of Health Ambulance and other state vehicles.

Khayelitsha COSATU Local expressed its outrage and condemned the recent hijacking of an ambulance belonging to the Department of Health.

‘’This incident occurred just after a Crime Prevention Engagement hosted by Khayelitsha COSATU Local on 20 February 2025, Khayelitsha Training Centre, which addressed the alarming rise of carjacking in the area. This blatant act of criminality not only compromises the delivery of essential healthcare services but also endangers the lives of both healthcare workers and residents of Khayelitsha.  It further undermines economic growth and employment opportunities in the area,’’ said Makhaya Jezile, Secretary Khayelitsha COSATU Local.

Khayelitsha COSATU Local called for swift action from law enforcement agencies:  We demand immediate and decisive action from law enforcement to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime; Employers are urged to prioritize the safety of their employees when conducting service delivery, especially in high-risk areas.

‘’We call on residents, community leaders, and structures to be vigilant in safeguarding state resources and protecting public servants,’’ said Jezile.

Done By: Mitchum George