Paramedics robbed at knife point at Howick Falls

18 October 2016 - 14:10 By TMG Digital

Two ER24 paramedics were robbed of their cell phones and cash at Howick Falls this morning. ER24’s paramedics often stand by at the well-known tourist attraction spot near the Howick Falls‚ spokesperson Werner Vermaak said.Some of the curio shop owners were still busy setting up when the incident took place at approximately 9.50am. There were no tourists or visitors at the spot at the time."The two paramedics were inside their vehicle when they were approached by a young male holding a large knife. According to the two female paramedics‚ aged 35 and 27‚ the man ordered them to look down and give him their cell phones and all the cash in their wallets. He also asked them to remove the SIM cards and memory cards from their phones before giving it to him."The two paramedics said that the man threatened to cause severe harm to them if they do not comply."The suspect fled with two Samsung cell phones and R110 in cash.SAPS Dog Units as well as patrol units are conducting a search for the suspect.The two paramedics were transported to a nearby Mediclinic where they will be assessed and receive trauma counselling.This was the fourth incident in the last week involving the young man robbing people of their belongings‚ according to curio shop owners.The number of incidents involving attacks on paramedics and other essential services workers is on the rise in South Africa. Earlier this year‚ Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said: There is an escalation of our paramedics being attacked because when I look at other areas and not just Johannesburg‚ there's at least one report of an incident of robbery on a monthly basis‚ whereby paramedics are attacked or robbed"...

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