PSA calls for more protection of healthworkers
The Public Servants Association says government employees cannot be expected to continue risking their lives while doing their jobs.
This after two KZN EMS paramedics were robbed while on duty in Shongweni on Wednesday.
Police say a 38-year-old ambulance driver and his colleague were robbed of their belongings and equipment by four suspects - during what is believed to have been a fake medical emergency.
The union's Mlungisi Ndlovu says the issue of field worker safety is becoming a real concern.
"We've got cases where in clinics, especially those clinics that are in townships. Now and again criminals will break-in and take the belongings of our members. It happens with social workers who go and visit affected families where they need to provide support and they are being hijacked. We cant risk our lives because we want to provide services, we must be protected.”
Ndlovu says these type of attacks on public servants is proof of the concerning level of crime in the province.
"The SAPS need to be able to deploy police because once our members are free to go in and address an emergency service, because they fear for their lives or their stuff will be taken, which means they will not be able to get the services. That's why we call upon community leaders, councillors and everyone to be involved in protecting this resource that we have."
