Posted on January 6, 2005

Ambulance and Patient Hijacked

news24.com (SA), Jan. 6

Johannesburg — A patient suffering from a severe respiratory condition is fighting for his life in an Estcourt hospital after the ambulance in which he was being transported was hijacked in the Natal Midlands, Tracker’s Communications Manager, Gareth Crocker, said on Thursday.

Two hijackers late on Wednesday forced two paramedics, Mbongiseni Mathe and Mphathi Malembe out of the vehicle, unaware of the critically ill patient, confirmed police spokesperson Superintendent Buhle Ngidi.

The paramedics reported the matter to the police who contacted the tracking company to activate the vehicle.

The vehicle with the patient aboard was found in an extremely mountainous area near Tugela Ferry.

They radioed for a medical air rescue team after the patient was found with serious injuries lying on the floor of the ambulance.

He was transported to Estcourt hospital.

Police were investigating.