An Eastern Cape paramedic has been shot and killed after knocking off from work.
Piet Tieman, 53, a paramedic in Jansenville, was killed recently in his hometown.
According to the Department of Health in the province, the deceased had just finished his day shift and went home. He later went to a nearby shop when he was shot while still in his uniform.
On Tuesday, the department said circumstances surrounding this incident are not yet known.
Health MEC speaks
Provincial Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, sent her heartfelt condolences to colleagues, friends, and family of the deceased.
Capa called on law enforcement to leave no stone unturned in investigating the murder. She further condemned the crime incidents that are targeted at all staff at health institutions.
Sizwe Kupelo, who is the department’s spokesperson, elaborated the crisis to Sunday World. He said that since 2015, emergency services have experienced a series of attacks. In some instances, staff members have been robbed while on duty.
Kupelo said Tieman has served the department for more than 25 years.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the cops have launched a manhunt for two suspects linked to the murder.
Nkohli said on Tuesday a truck was used to block the R75 towards town, forcing commuters to use alternative routes. He added that the protesters took the truck’s keys, which resulted in the roadblock. Nkohli confirmed that the protest was linked to the murder of Tieman.
Series of similar attacks in province
In November 2024, Sunday World reported that an ambulance transporting an eight-year-old patient from one hospital to another in Mthatha was hijacked at gunpoint in Qumbu.
The department stated that the thugs accosted two EMS crew members and the patient with guns. They were forced out of the ambulance.
This left the two EMS crew members and the eight-year-old patient traumatised by the senseless attack.
