Mandla Hlatshwayo's death casts spotlight on shortage of ambulances

17 May 2017 - 11:28 By Karishma Thakurdin
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Mandla Hlatshwayo
Mandla Hlatshwayo
Image: Facebook/Mandla Hlatshwayo

The killing of former Generations star Mandla Hlatshwayo has lifted the lid on the shortage of ambulances at Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS).

In the wake of Mandla's death EMS spokesperson Nana Radebe told TshisaLIVE that it had received a call from the scene of the shooting, but all its ambulances "were committed".

The nearest ambulance was delayed at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which is 4,7km away from the scene of the crime.

Radebe said that not having any available ambulances was not unusual because there weren't enough to deal with the high volume of incidents. 

  • Mandla Hlatshwayo's memorial service to be held on ThursdayA public memorial service in honour of slain Jozi FM presenter Mandla Hlatshwayo will be held at the Protea South Multi-Purpose Centre in Soweto on Thursday afternoon.  

“We cannot say there are enough ambulances because sometimes calls become too much for us to handle,” she said.

Radebe explained that they often referred calls to private ambulance services because of the shortage of ambulances.

"Over the weekend there is generally a spike in calls and we have to refer them," she said.

This comes after several eyewitnesses told TshisaLIVE  they called for help but waited anxiously for an ambulance to arrive.

  • No ambulance to help Mandla, confirms Joburg emergency servicesJohannesburg Emergency Management Services have confirmed to TshisaLIVE that no ambulances were available on the night Mandla Hlatshwayo and another person were shot and killed outside a pub in Pimville, despite an ambulance being at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, 4,7km away from the scene of the crime. 

This while Mandla lay fighting for his life on the cold floor outside the Meli tavern in Pimville, Soweto.

"He (Mandla) was awake and calling for the owner. He was talking. He was breathing," one of the patrons told TshisaLIVE outside the bar on Monday.

Police have confirmed that four suspects have since been arrested in connection with the murder and are expected to appear in court soon.

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