Calls for emergency personnel to carry firearms
The South African Emergency
Personnel's Union (SAEPU) has urged emergency personnel to arm themselves ahead
of the festive season.
Saepu president Mpho Mpogenge says attacks on emergency workers have become a weekly occurrence.
"We all know that this is going to be a busy period were there'll be large increase in demand for emergency assistance and criminals will now take advantage by attacking our members.
"Every week our members robbed and assaulted. We have been trying to engage the department so that is why as an organisation we said there is a need for us to urge our members to be on alert and those who are having legal or licence firearms they must carry them just to protect themselves."
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Mpogeng says no government or police officials are willing to assist.
"We are on our own. Every time we are crying babies, always complaining. The department spokesperson, the MEC whoever, they'll come to the media say lot of English without any implementation and when you cal them to discuss to try and come up with ways of addressing this they will never ever pitch. The only thing they are waiting for is to come and give speeches during memorial services."
Mpogeng adds that there is a need to protect themselves as EMS personnel are easy targets.
"We want to make sure that night shift staff is protected."