Hefty sentence for man who attacked paramedics in Pretoria
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 25-year-old man to 15 years in prison for attacking a group of paramedics in Nellmapius in July.
Matome Sepesu, together with three others, hijacked, kidnapped, and assaulted the crew while they were responding to a distress call in the area.
His three accomplices are still on the run.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the continuous attacks on paramedics make it difficult for emergency services to do their work.
“This conviction sends a strong message to criminals who are targeting healthcare workers when they are discharging their duties trying to save the lives of communities.
“Our teams have been subjected to senseless attacks in some of the communities, which have made it rather difficult for them when they have to respond to emergencies,” she said.
In the latest incident in Rieger Park on Wednesday night, two suspects made off with a radio used by paramedics to dispatch calls.
The incident happened while the crew was busy treating a patient at the back of the ambulance.
In a separate attack in Eersterust on Thursday morning, a suspect stole the cell phone of a paramedic who was busy treating a patient.
"Fortunately, the suspect was apprehended by the police through the assistance of the community and CPF. The phone was also recovered,” the MEC said.
ALSO READ:
