Five patients were robbed at gunpoint after a North West provincial health patient transport vehicle was hijacked in the Tladistad area on Tuesday evening, the provincial health department said.
What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the driver had dropped off an elderly patient discharged from Jubilee Hospital. At about 20:40 an armed man approached the vehicle, threatened the driver with a firearm and demanded valuables. The assailant then forced the driver to lie on the ground and ordered the other occupants out of the vehicle before taking their cellphones and other items.
The vehicle — used by the department to ferry patients to and from health facilities — was later located and recovered following activation of its tracking system. It was found at Kalkpunt near Rabosula village and towed to Jericho police station for further examination. The recovery occurred around 21:12, less than 40 minutes after the reported hijacking, by which time the suspects had fled the scene.
Official response and investigation
Makapanstad SAPS attended the original scene in Tladistad and a criminal case has been opened. The health department said no serious physical injuries were sustained by the driver or the patients, but emphasised the trauma such an attack causes to vulnerable people and staff providing an essential public service.
“We strongly condemn this senseless and criminal act. A patient transport vehicle is not a luxury vehicle; it is a public health resource dedicated to transporting patients, including elderly and vulnerable people, safely to and from healthcare facilities.”
The quotation was issued by North West health MEC Sello Lehari, who welcomed the rapid co‑ordination between department officials, the vehicle tracking and response teams, SAPS and community structures that led to the swift recovery of the vehicle.
Service continuity and patient welfare
Following the incident, the department activated its emergency response protocols and arranged alternative transport for the remaining patients who had been due to travel. The department highlighted the need to protect both patients and staff when using state health resources.
Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~20:40 | Driver dropped off elderly patient; armed suspect approached vehicle in Tladistad |
| ~20:45 | Five patients robbed and forced from vehicle; driver ordered to lie down |
| Tracking activated | Vehicle coordinates shared with response teams |
| ~21:12 | Vehicle located at Kalkpunt near Rabosula village and recovered; suspects had fled |
| After recovery | Vehicle towed to Jericho police station; criminal case opened at Makapanstad SAPS |
Community and worker safety concerns
The hijacking has raised questions about the security of patient transport services in rural communities. Patient transport vehicles frequently carry elderly, frail and otherwise vulnerable people who rely on safe and reliable state transport to access clinics and hospitals. Health officials said the vehicle is a public resource and must not be targeted.
- No serious injuries were reported among the driver or patients, but psychological trauma is a concern.
- Vehicle tracking assisted in locating and recovering the transport within 40 minutes.
- Police investigation is underway after a criminal case was lodged at Makapanstad police station.
Practical information for patients and families
The health department advised patients dependent on its transport to remain in contact with their local facility and to report any suspicious activity. Families concerned about patients who use departmental transport can query their status with the referring facility or the patient transport co‑ordination office. The department did not provide a contact number in the statement; enquiries should be directed to the local health facility that arranged travel.
This incident is under investigation and further details will be released by SAPS as the probe progresses. Community members with information are urged to assist investigators by contacting their nearest police station.
