Outrage over the stoning of Johannesburg firefighters in Soweto
SENSELESS ATTACK
A routine firefighting operation in Soweto turned dangerous on October 18 when Johannesburg EMS personnel were attacked while responding to a shack fire south of Johannesburg.
The incident occurred at the Motsoaledi informal settlement around 3 pm.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the firefighters were responding to the blaze when a newly deployed fire engine, part of a state-of-the-art fleet handed over just two weeks ago during the launch of the Central Fire Station, was stoned by local residents.
“City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has noted with concern the incident which occurred yesterday in Soweto at the Elias Motswaledi Informal Settlement. One of the brand-new state-of-the-art fire engines, handed over two weeks ago during the launch of the Central Fire Station, was stoned along with firefighters responding to a shack-on-fire incident in the area.”
Mulaudzi highlighted the serious effect the attack had on EMS teams and emergency services.
“Firefighters had to flee for their safety as residents attacked them. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the vehicle sustained damage,” he said.
He added that the attacks not only create fear and panic among their teams, but they also disrupt essential services to the community. While firefighters are deployed to render vital services, he pleaded with residents to protect both EMS personnel and the resources they use.
They are deployed in their respective areas while rendering this very important essential service to our communities. These attacks not only create fear and panic amongst EMS personnel but also disrupt service delivery to our communities.” Mulaudzi said.
As previously reported by IOL, emergency personnel are increasingly coming under threat, with attacks on their lives and equipment becoming more frequent in volatile communities.
In July 2024, an ambulance crew near Elsies River came under gunfire. Although the crew escaped unharmed, the incident left them traumatised. The Western Cape Health and Wellness Department confirmed the attack and reported it to the police for further action.
In a separate incident that same month in Macassar, firefighters responding to an emergency were pelted with stones. The fire engine’s windshield was smashed, and stones struck both the driver and officer. The department condemned the attack and stressed the importance of community cooperation to ensure the safety of EMS personnel.
The Star