A driver of a patient transport vehicle was robbed of his wallet and cellphone, while five patients he was transporting were robbed of their cellphones before the vehicle was hijacked in Tladistad village near Makapanstad in Moretele, North West.
Authorities said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening while the vehicle was transporting patients.
“According to preliminary information, the driver had just dropped off an elderly patient who had been discharged from Jubilee Hospital when an armed man approached the vehicle, pointed a firearm at the driver and ordered him to hand over his cellphone and wallet.
“The driver was subsequently instructed to lie on the ground, while the five patients travelling in the vehicle were robbed of their cellphones and ordered to exit the vehicle,” said Department of Health spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi.
Mothibedi said the perpetrators then fled with the department vehicle after robbing the driver and the patients.
Health MEC Sello Lehari condemned the incident and expressed serious concern that a vehicle providing an essential public health service had been targeted, putting the lives and safety of patients and an employee at risk.
“We strongly condemn this senseless and criminal act.
“A patient transport vehicle is not a luxury vehicle; it is a public health resource dedicated to transporting patients, including elderly and vulnerable people, safely to and from healthcare facilities.
“There is absolutely no justification for hijacking a vehicle that is serving our communities,” said Lehari.
Following the incident, the department activated its response mechanisms, and the vehicle was located and recovered 40 minutes later at Kalkpunt near Rabosula village.
The suspects, however, fled the scene when approached by the relevant response teams. The vehicle was subsequently towed to Jericho Police Station.
Lehari commended all stakeholders for their swift response.
“We are relieved that the vehicle was recovered and, most importantly, that there were no reported serious physical injuries to the driver or patients.
“We commend the officials and law enforcement agencies for their prompt response.
“However, this incident remains deeply disturbing because no healthcare worker or patient should have to face the trauma and fear of being robbed at gunpoint while accessing or delivering healthcare services,” said Lehari.
The department made alternative arrangements for the remaining patients, who were due to be transported to Kgomo-Kgomo and Cyferskuil, to ensure they reached their homes safely following the incident.
