In another hijacking incident in Alfred Nzo district, gunmen targeted an ambulance carrying an eight-year-old patient to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha on Monday evening.

The ambulance, which was transporting the child from the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Regional Hospital in Mbizana, was hijacked at gunpoint near Qumbu.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew and their young patient were stuck on the road in the dark of night until another ambulance picked them up.

Ambulance hijacked, equipment worth R1m

Provincial health department spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase confirmed the shocking incident, saying the vehicle and equipment alone were worth R1 million.

He added that the ambulance has not yet been found.

READ ALSO: “South Africa is a movie”: the attackers escape with a coffin (VIDEO)

MEC condemns the embezzlement

Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa condemned the targeting of health workers and staff, saying service delivery was being compromised.

“This attack has left the two EMS crew members and the eight-year-old patient traumatized by this senseless attack. We will provide counseling to EMS crew members and the patient. We are relieved that the employees and the patient escaped without physical injury,” Capa said.

“This diversion also means that we will now have one less ambulance to serve Alfred Nzo neighbourhood, which will compromise our ability to respond to emergencies in a timely manner,” she added.

The MEC called on police to “leave no stone unturned in their investigation”, urging communities to work with law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.

According to the department, attacks on ambulances were a “province-wide” problem.

READ ALSO: Health struggles in Gauteng: Underspending, patient safety incidents and ambulance crew attacks

Ambulance attacks, hijackings a growing problem in the Eastern Cape

This is the fourth health department vehicle hijacked in Alfred Nzo district since January.

Earlier this year, two ambulances were also stoned.

The department said attacks on ambulances are a “province-wide” problem.

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