THE City of Cape Town’s fire chief Theo Layne said attacks on emergency medical services paramedics have affected their ability to deliver services effectively.
Layne’s comment follows the attacks on two staff members and vehicles in Gugulethu and another two in Nyanga yesterday.
He said violence in the two areas and in Philippi has increased.
“The City’s fire and rescue service was again the target of an attack when an emergency vehicle, a water tanker based at the Gugulethu Fire Station, was attacked with a brick which went through the windscreen.”
He said the staff members inside the vehicles were not injured.
“Both members were taken off duty for the remainder of the shift.”
Last week, EMS provincial manager Phumzile Papu said dangerous kasis, known as red zone areas, had increased from 12 to 16.
Papu said they would discuss the rezoning of crime hot spots during their meeting next month.
“The safety measures implemented are revised on a regular basis in order to stay abreast of developments with regards to gang violence and crime hot spots which the police share with EMS,” he said.
Papu said helping people in red zone areas was difficult, but they’d partnered with community structures such as the neighbourhood watch to help them.
He said to manage fake emergency calls by thugs who wanted to attack EMS staff, they send the neighbourhood watch team to the address to confirm the incident.
He said they then rush to the scene under police escort. He said it’s the only way to ensure the safety of their staff.
He said red zone areas include Hanover Park, Mannenberg and Mitchells Plain.