Ambulance Stoned On N2 While Carrying Patient — Western Cape Health Workers Left Traumatised

An emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance carrying a patient came under attack on the N2 near the Macassar bridge in the Western Cape in the early hours of Sunday, 15 March.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that stones were thrown at the ambulance while it was transporting a patient, prompting strong condemnation from provincial officials and authorities.

Fortunately, both the patient and the EMS crew escaped without physical injuries, but the incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of emergency responders.

Western Cape health department condemns ambulance attack

Department spokesperson Shimoney Regter confirmed the frightening ordeal and said the incident had a significant emotional impact on the EMS team.

Although neither the patient nor the paramedics were injured, the crew members were left traumatised and were taken to hospital for evaluation before later being discharged.

Regter emphasised that attacks on healthcare workers and emergency services cannot be tolerated.

“Our health workers are dedicated servants of the public, working under high-pressure conditions to save lives. They must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence,” Regter said.

Authorities have confirmed that the department is working closely with police as investigations into the attack continue.

MEC warns attacks delay critical medical care

Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger also condemned the incident, warning that such acts directly threaten the delivery of urgent medical services.

Wenger said violence against healthcare personnel and emergency vehicles jeopardises the safety of both patients and responders.

“Attacks on healthcare workers and emergency vehicles are completely unacceptable and place lives at risk,” she said.

Officials stressed that incidents like these can delay life-saving treatment for people in urgent need of medical assistance.

Similar attack reported days earlier in Mfuleni

The incident comes just days after another violent attack involving an Animal Welfare Services (AWS) vehicle in Mfuleni.

According to AWS, Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa suffered an injury to his arm after suspected robbers hurled a brick through the driver’s window of the van on Friday.

Despite being injured, Kilwa managed to remain calm and drive himself away from the area.

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AWS later praised his courage in a statement.

“Our inspectors head out each morning with one mission – to protect and help animals in need, but sometimes they face risks that no one should have to endure.

“Today, we are incredibly grateful that Kilwa is alive and safe.”

Authorities have reiterated calls for communities to respect emergency personnel who risk their lives daily to assist those in need.