A gang operating in central KwaZulu-Natal are hijacking the province's ambulances and turning them into taxis.
As bizarre as this might sound‚ the KZN health department confirmed on Wednesday that the syndicate - which largely operated out of Newcastle - was bust by police. Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo confirmed that a local taxi boss was colluding with department employees to "strip off ambulance parts and fitting them into taxis".
The taxi boss was arrested and three taxis impounded‚ the department confirmed. One of the taxis‚ when impounded‚ was loaded with passengers en route to Swaziland for the Easter break. The man was allegedly targeting the department’s VW Crafter ambulances‚ whose parts were fitted into his 22-seater buses.
Dhlomo said: "It is really very painful that an employee who rose through the ranks to become a head of section is the one responsible for this misery that results into the shortage of Ambulances. Surely the stripped Ambulances pose a great danger to both our patients and paramedics as the original parts are replaced by the worn out ones whose safety and durability cannot be guaranteed. I have decided to hold a meeting on Tuesday next week with all the Districts’ Emergency Medical Service’s heads. I want them to give an explanation as to how these fairly new Ambulances end up requiring replacement of gearboxes; tyres; starters and other parts that are supposed to have a longer lifespan."
The MEC said these managers have to account for how these ambulances are managed and monitored.
The taxi boss is expected to appear in court on Thursday morning.
-TMG Digital/TimesLIVE
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