Tshwane unrest brings emergency services to a halt
The Gauteng department of health on Tuesday said some of its vehicles had been attacked in Tshwane, where violent protests against ANC mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza continue.
In some instances the ambulance service was unable to access patients.
"We have noted with concern that roads are blocked in many areas around Tshwane metro and access denied to emergency services, which is not only endangering EMS personnel lives, but that of patients as well," said health department spokesman Steve Mabona.
"Regrettable incidents of stoning of emergency vehicles in the early hours of the morning in Hammanskraal have also been reported."
Protests began on Sunday night after it became clear Didiza, an ANC National Executive Committee member and former cabinet minister, was the preferred mayoral candidate for Tshwane to replace the incumbent mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
An ANC member was shot and several injured outside the Tshwane events centre on Sunday, where regional leaders held a meeting to decide on a mayoral candidate. The victim died in hospital.
On Monday, three metro police officers had to run for their lives when they were attacked by the protesters. The group flipped over the state vehicle used for patrolling by the officers.
At least 21 buses were torched overnight in Mamelodi. In Atteridgeville two trucks and a bus were set alight on Tuesday. Shops were also looted. The violent protests continued in GaRankuwa and Hammanskraal.
Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu pleaded with protesters to allow emergency vehicles and personnel into the townships.
"We plead with communities to refrain from attacking EMS vehicles and appreciate the effect this has on service delivery and people’s lives. We also discourage the burning of clinics or hampering of services." - ANA