Disaster Management first responders robbed at gunpoint
Published: June 23, 2022<< BACK TO NEWS
Two new Disaster Management recruits, barely a month in their new jobs, were robbed at gunpoint this morning while delivering relief packages to victims of a shack fire in Qaqawuli, Kwazakhele.
Mr Thomas Cameron, Senior Disaster Management official, says
whilst the man (34) and woman (33) tried to telephonically contact the intended
recipients of the aid, two armed men knocked on the windows of the bakkie and
demanded their cell phones and any other valuables.
"The men took their personal cell phones, pulled the keys
out of the ignition and threw it on the roof of a nearby house.
"The officials retrieved the keys of their official vehicle
and went to the nearest police station to report the crime.
"Unfortunately, these regular robberies not only create unbearable
working conditions for municipal employees from most of our departments, it
prevents service delivery from taking place.
"As a result, the intended beneficiaries could not be
assisted as they were in Motherwell and not in the area to receive the goods,”
Cameron said.
The two traumatised employees will be advised to seek
assistance at the municipal wellness centre in an attempt to help them deal
with the traumatic experience.
Disaster Management officials assist victims of natural
disasters with relief such as blankets, mattresses, small stoves, food parcels
and sanitary products depending on what the department has in stock.
Ends
Top stories
