Two armed men allegedly attacked a Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance on the N1 in the early hours of Saturday, leaving paramedics shaken but the patient stable, provincial health authorities said.
What happened on the N1
The incident occurred at about 01:30 after the ambulance, which was transporting a patient from Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to Jubilee Hospital, struck sharp spikes placed on the highway near Phumlani Plaza. When the crew stopped to check the damage, two armed men reportedly emerged and fired on the vehicle.
One member of the EMS crew ran for cover in nearby bushes, while another re-entered the ambulance and drove the vehicle away from the scene. EMS colleagues and SAPS responded after the emergency communication centre received calls from the crew.
“Attackers are placing patients who urgently need medical attention at risk,” Gauteng Department of Health spokesman Steve Mabona said.
Patient and staff welfare
Provincial health officials said the patient being transported remained stable during the attack and was moved into another ambulance before being taken to Jubilee Hospital. Both medics were taken to a healthcare facility for treatment and trauma counsellors have been made available.
The Gauteng Department of Health condemned the attack and warned that deliberately targeting emergency services jeopardises the lives of vulnerable patients and undermines the ability of responders to provide urgent care.
Response and investigations
- SAPS officers were dispatched to the scene following the emergency call.
- EMS colleagues attended to the patient and the injured staff immediately, transferring the patient to alternative transport to complete the journey to Jubilee Hospital.
- The department has urged members of the public with information to assist police in tracing those responsible.
At the time of reporting, police had not released details of any arrests or a formal case number. The department called for swift investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible for endangering emergency medical workers.
Local context and impact
Attacks on ambulances and healthcare staff have a chilling effect on emergency response. When crews must fear ambush, the time taken to reach and safely transport patients increases — a critical problem where minutes can determine outcomes in serious trauma, cardiac arrests or obstetric emergencies.
Community members at the Phumlani Plaza stretch of the N1 told investigators they were alarmed by the shooting and relieved the patient was not critically harmed. Road users who rely on the N1 overnight routes said they expect increased police visibility following the incident.
Health officials said they will review standard operating procedures with EMS teams operating on major highways, including protocols for dealing with vehicle damage caused by deliberate hazards such as spike strips.
Safety advice for motorists and emergency crews
- When a vehicle is disabled on a highway at night, switch on hazard lights and, where possible, move to a safe lay-by;
- Report suspicious objects or people immediately to the emergency communication centre and SAPS;
- Prioritise personal safety — if there is an immediate threat, seek cover and await backup rather than exposing yourself to armed suspects;
- Avoid attempting to pursue armed suspects; provide police with detailed descriptions and vehicle details instead.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time | About 01:30 (29 August) |
| Location | N1, near Phumlani Plaza |
| Origin | Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital |
| Destination | Jubilee Hospital |
| Casualties | Patient remained stable; two medics treated for shock/injury |
Authorities' message
The Gauteng Department of Health appealed to anyone with information about the perpetrators to contact SAPS. It also reiterated the need to protect health workers and emergency services from criminal targeting so that lifesaving care can continue.
This attack is the latest in a worrying pattern of increasing risks faced by frontline workers. Local residents and road users have asked for visible policing along the N1 to deter similar incidents and to reassure commuters who use the route at night.
Work continues to establish whether the spike trap was part of a targeted scheme to ambush ambulances or a more general act of road criminality. SAPS investigation details are awaited.
Reporting from Johannesburg.
