The Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal is deeply concerned about attacks on paramedics and other state service providers as they go about their duties after an attempted hijacking of an Emergency Medical Services crew at Slangspruit in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday night.
“It must be of serious concern for all citizens that members of emergency services and other service providers do not feel safe when they are called upon to serve our communities. It is unacceptable that members of the ambulance service, fire departments and technicians from the electricity, water and telecommunications departments have to go into certain areas whilst in fear of being attacked or even killed. These providers of essential services need to feel comfortable in the knowledge that they are safe in order for them to conduct their duties to the best of their abilities. These service providers are there to improve the quality of life for our people and they should be allowed to work free from fear. No one can function in an environment of fear and intimidation especially when they are called upon to save lives and bring relief to those in distress”, said Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health.
“We call upon members of communities across our province to ensure the safety of these service providers. It is in the interest of those very communities that they should ensure safe passage for emergency service personnel. If communities do not rally to this call, then we cannot blame service providers for refusing to go into areas where they are not safe. We must never reach a situation where certain areas become “no-go areas” for providers of emergency and social services. Law abiding citizens must root out criminals who lurk among them and plan to attack state vehicles and personnel. Damage to ambulances and other state resources place a heavy burden on state coffers. It is difficult for departments to manage their budgets effectively when such incidents occur.
Community members need to assure emergency service personnel that they will be safe when their services are required in their area”, concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
Issued by:
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL
IFP KZN Spokesperson on Health
078 302 3991