Eastern Cape Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa has condemned the targeting of healthcare workers following the November 18 hijacking of an ambulance in Qumbu, stating that such incidents undermine critical service delivery.

According to the statement issued by the MEC’s spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase, this comes after an ambulance transporting an 8-year-old patient from Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Regional Hospital in Mbizana to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha was hijacked at gunpoint in Qumbu last night, November 18.

He said the thugs pointed guns at two EMS crew members and the patient, forcing them out of the ambulance. However, the department arranged for another ambulance to take the patient to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.

The matter has been reported to the police for investigation.

Capa said this has left two EMS crew members and the patient traumatised by the senseless attack.

“We will offer counseling to the EMS crew members and the patient. We are relieved that the employees and patient escaped with no physical injuries. This hijacking also means we will now have one less ambulance to service the Alfred Nzo District, which will compromise our ability to respond to emergencies timeously,” said Capa.

She said they are calling on the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and that communities should also work with law enforcement agencies so that those behind these heinous crimes can be brought to book.

According to her, last night’s attack is the latest on an ambulance in Alfred Nzo.

Earlier this year, two ambulances were pelted with stones, but the crews escaped unharmed, while three other departmental vehicles were hijacked in the district.

“The attacks on ambulances are a province-wide problem as they are also attacked in other districts,” the statement concluded.