NEHAWU KZN Statement On The Armed Robbery Of EMS Paramedics
Monday October 04, 2021
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in KwaZulu-Natal is outraged by the atrocious incident of an armed robbery that resulted in the fatal shooting of our Emergency Medical Services [EMS] workers.
This tragedy took place today, Monday 04 October 2021, when our members in the KZN Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services [EMS] officials were responding to a case in Mabhoyonini, Estcourt. Just as they were about to leave the vicinity of the scene with a patient, unscrupulous thugs opened fire at them before fleeing with all the valuable items from the ambulance.
Unfortunately, such behaviour hinders the efforts and ability of our members to discharge their duties freely, in order to save lives - regardless of where the call comes from or what time. This dreadful crime not only compromises the safety of our members and workers, but also cripples the essential services that they render to our communities.
As NEHAWU, we therefore call on the KZN Department of Health, working together with our law enforcement agencies and communities, to come up with a plan to keep our paramedics safe. These workers are also parents, guardians and fellow community members; that leave the comfort and safety of their homes with an intention to serve.
Lastly, the union expresses sincere condolences to the family of our deceased member, and also wish our injured members a speedy and full recovery.
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Issued by NEHAWU KwaZulu-Natal Secretariat Office
For more information, please contact: Ayanda Zulu (Provincial Secretary) at 081 758 5199
email: Ayandaz@nehawu.org.za or Ntokozo Nxumalo (Provincial Deputy Secretary) at 0815255983
email: Ntokozo@Nehawu.org.za