Mpumalanga authorities are investigating shocking claims that some workers within the Department of Health have been deliberately causing damage to ambulances, rendering them unfit for use.
Sunday World has learnt through insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity that VW service centre mechanics raised the alarm when ambulances were brought in for routine repairs displayed signs of deliberate tampering.
Dealerships often operate service centres dedicated to the maintenance and repair of vehicles, adhering to manufacturer guidelines to ensure safety and functionality.
In this case, the mechanics noticed consistent, inexplicable faults – ranging from punctured radiator pipes to contaminated fuel systems, which could not be attributed to regular wear and tear.
An insider told Sunday World that the mechanics “also discovered brake fluid reservoirs contaminated with oil, potentially rendering the brakes useless –an act that could be deadly”.
“Electrical systems had critical fuses removed, leaving ambulances inoperable until they were towed to service centres,” the insider said.
In one instance a radiator pipe was found punctured with precision, risking total engine failure.
Among the most alarming reports was the discovery of ambulances running without water in their radiators, a move that could lead to catastrophic engine overheating.
“Seatbelts were also tampered with, causing further delays and costly repairs,” added the insider.
The insider expressed shock at the brazen and calculated effort to manipulate the already financially struggling emergency services.
“Can you imagine workers cruel enough to remove vehicle licence discs to ensure ambulances are deemed unroadworthy? They do this just so they can sleep when people need help. It’s a sad day in public service,” the insider added.
“Instead of rushing to save lives, the emergency fleet remains parked while patients suffer without assistance.”
Mpumalanga health spokesperson Dumisani Malamule confirmed they are investigating allegations of deliberate sabotage on the department’s vehicles.
“The outcomes of the investigations will guide the department in dealing with the individuals involved, and other processes will follow,” said Malamule, who did not go into specifics regarding the investigation.
Volkswagen Group Africa communication head Andile Dlamini declined to comment on the matter, refusing to provide details on how VW mechanics managed to expose the sabotage, though their actions have undoubtedly averted further disaster.
The Public Service Commission has promised to investigate once the matter comes to their attention.
For 2024, the Mpumalanga Department of Health was allocated a budget of R18.6-billion, with a focus on improving healthcare services across the province.
This includes addressing critical shortages in emergency services, as Mpumalanga has faced challenges with its ambulance fleet.
The department has announced plans to introduce 10 new mobile ICU ambulances, specifically designed for inter-facility patient transfers, and three dedicated ambulances for mental health patients.
Last year, the DA in Mpumalanga raised alarm over the critical shortage of ambulances in the province, revealing that only 48 out of a fleet of 158 ambulances were operational for a population of over 4.4 million.
This meant the province had only one ambulance for every 91 666 people – far below the national standard of one ambulance per 10 000 people.
