Two Gauteng Emergency Medical Services officials were forced to flee for their lives after armed suspects opened fire on their ambulance while they were transporting a patient.
The attack happened in the early hours of Saturday morning, 29 August 2026, on the N1 highway shortly after Phumlani Plaza.
The Gauteng Department of Health condemned the attack, saying the EMS crew was carrying out official duties when they came under fire.
At the time, the crew was transporting a patient from Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to Jubilee Hospital for a down-referral.
According to the department, the ambulance was reportedly spiked while travelling on the highway.
The two officials stopped to assess the vehicle, unaware that armed suspects were approaching.
The department said two male suspects then approached the ambulance and fired shots at the EMS officials.
“GDoH condemns in the strongest terms the armed attack on two Gauteng EMS personnel while performing their duties in the early hours of this morning,” the department said.
The EMS crew immediately took steps to escape the attack.
One official fled on foot and managed to seek safety in a nearby area.
The other official managed to drive away from the scene.
The Emergency Communication Centre was alerted after the incident.
Gauteng EMS management, other available EMS crews and the South African Police Service responded to the scene.
Despite the attack, the patient was not abandoned.
The department said the patient remained stable and was transferred to another ambulance.
The patient was then safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.
“Following the incident, the Emergency Communication Centre was alerted, and Gauteng EMS management, other available EMS crews and the SAPS responded,” the department said.
“The patient remained stable, was transferred to another ambulance and safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.”
The two EMS officials were later taken to a medical facility for assessment.
The department has also activated Employee Wellness services to support the officials after the traumatic incident.
“The department has activated its Employee Wellness services and is providing emotional and psychological support to assist the officials in dealing with the trauma arising from the incident.”
The attack has raised renewed concern about the safety of emergency medical workers in Gauteng.
EMS personnel are often required to respond to incidents at all hours, including in dangerous or unpredictable environments.
The Gauteng Department of Health said it was deeply concerned that emergency workers continue to face violence while trying to save lives.
“We are deeply concerned that EMS personnel, who work around the clock to save lives and provide essential medical services, continue to face violence while carrying out their duties,” the department said.
The department warned that attacks on EMS workers also put patients at risk.
When ambulances are attacked or forced to withdraw, emergency services can be delayed.
This can have serious consequences for people who urgently need medical care.
“Furthermore, attacks on EMS personnel do not only endanger healthcare workers, but also delays emergency services and place patients who urgently need medical attention at risk,” the department said.
The department called on communities and members of the public to help protect EMS personnel.
It also urged the public to assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
The Gauteng Department of Health said it remains committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of its employees.
It added that it would continue working with SAPS and other stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at protecting frontline healthcare workers.
Police are expected to investigate the attack.
