A 57-year-old Emergency Medical Services staff member has died following a smash-and-grab incident in Elsies River, Cape Town.
The incident happened on Thursday, 18 June, near Van Riebeeck Drive and Epping Avenue. Police said the man died at about 2pm in Leonsdale, Elsies River.
According to police spokesperson FC van Wyk, Elsies River police have opened an inquest. No visible injuries were found on the man’s body. A postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
No arrests have been made.
Health Department Confirms Staff Member was not Shot
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that the deceased was one of its EMS staff members.
The department said the man was not shot. It added that the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and the cause of death remain under investigation.
The department also said it still needs to be confirmed whether any personal belongings were taken during the incident.
Reports indicate the staff member was attacked during a smash-and-grab robbery and allegedly pursued the suspects afterwards. Officials have not confirmed the full sequence of events.
Department Condemns Attack on EMS Personnel
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness condemned the incident and said it was working with the South African Police Service.
The department extended condolences to the staff member’s family, loved ones and colleagues. It also confirmed that counselling services have been made available to EMS teams following his death.
Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger said EMS workers serve communities around the clock, often in dangerous conditions.
She said attacks on healthcare workers are unacceptable and deeply distressing.
Police Appeal for Information
Police investigations are continuing.
The case has again raised concern around smash-and-grab incidents on busy Cape Town roads, especially in areas where slow-moving traffic can leave motorists vulnerable.
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