City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters faced a violent attack from protesting residents of Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg.
The incident occurred in extension 3 around 11:30 pm on Sunday while the firefighters were responding to a fire incident in the area. The protesters vandalized and damaged parts of the fire engine, causing concern among EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.
Prior to reaching the fire incident, the firefighters encountered a group of community members protesting about service delivery in the area.
The protesters began throwing stones at the fire engine, resulting in injuries to three firefighters. The injured firefighters were promptly transported to Milpark Hospital for medical attention. Mulaudzi expressed his distress over the incident, highlighting the impact it has on both EMS personnel and service delivery to the community.
As a consequence of the attack, services will be disrupted as the fire engine is now out of commission. This means that residents of Eldorado Park and surrounding areas will not have immediate access to a fire engine until repairs are completed.
This incident follows a similar occurrence last year when armed criminals robbed the Ga-Rankuwa Fire Station in Tshwane, stealing essential equipment and compromising the emergency services provided to the community.
In response to these incidents, Ald Grandi Theunissen, Tshwane MMC for Community Safety, condemned the armed robbery and called on the community to support the fire station and its firefighters.
Theunissen emphasised that the stolen items, such as cellphones and a router, are not just personal possessions but crucial tools that aid firefighters in coordinating and responding efficiently to emergencies.
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It is crucial for residents to refrain from attacking EMS personnel who are dedicated to providing essential services to the community.
These incidents not only create fear and panic but also hinder the delivery of vital services. The support and cooperation of the community are vital in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of emergency response teams.
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