The attack, which occurred on the N2 in the early hours of Sunday, has been condemned by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
Image: Ian Cameron/Facebook/Supplied
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff were left traumatised after their ambulance was stoned on the N2 near Macassar.
The attack occurred on the N2 in the early hours of Sunday while the staff were transporting a patient.
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness EMS spokesperson, Shimoney Regter, said: “We can confirm that the patient and our staff are safe, however, our EMS staff are traumatised by the senseless incident and required hospital assessment; they have since been discharged.
“This incident forms part of a worrying pattern of violence against emergency medical services in the Western Cape.”
The attack, which occurred on the N2 in the early hours of Sunday, has been condemned by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.
Image: Ian Cameron/Facebook
Since April 2025 to date, the Department has recorded 90 safety-related incidents involving EMS personnel and vehicles.
These include 23 stoning incidents, 23 physical threats, 12 robberies, 9 cases of verbal abuse, 8 cases of thefts, 8 verbal threats and 7 assaults.
Regter said that they provide comprehensive mental health and trauma support for EMS staff through their Employee Health and Wellness Programme, which includes counselling, trauma debriefing, and psychosocial support to help staff recover after such incidents.
“Attacks on EMS staff are unacceptable and put both staff and patients at serious risk. 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.
“We are working closely with the South African Police Service to investigate this incident. The department appeals to everyone to help ensure the safety of our EMS personnel. Health workers are here to care for everyone,” Regter said.
“We all have a role to play in keeping them and our patients safe, so they can continue saving lives.”
Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger emphasised the importance of protecting healthcare workers and emergency services.
"Attacks on healthcare workers and emergency vehicles are completely unacceptable and place lives at risk.
"Our emergency services exist to help people in their most vulnerable moments. When ambulances or healthcare staff are attacked, it delays care not only for the patient in that vehicle but for others in the community who may be waiting for urgent medical assistance. Our healthcare workers dedicate their lives to serving communities and saving lives,” Wenger said.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said: “Emergency services respond when people are injured, sick, or in danger. Attacking an ambulance that is trying to save lives is reckless and puts both medical staff and patients at risk. Sadly, this kind of violence is not isolated.
“Police officers experience the same thing far too often when responding to incidents, especially in high-risk areas, as we saw again this weekend. Emergency responders should never have to fear being attacked simply for doing their jobs,” he said.
Cape Times