An emergency medical services (EMS) official faced a terrifying experience when she was hijacked in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday afternoon.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that the incident took place around 3pm while the employee was on her way to an EMS base nearby. Although she was not physically harmed, she is coping with the trauma from the event.
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The department stated: “The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness can confirm that on 22 June, one of our Emergency Medical Services personnel was a victim of hijacking in Khayelitsha.”
“This incident occurred at approximately 3pm as she was heading to the EMS base in the area.”
“While our staff member did not sustain physical injuries, she is experiencing trauma and is receiving counseling and support through our employee wellness program.”
“Following the incident, a report was filed with the South African Police Service, and we are working closely with SAPS to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
EMS Vehicle Hijacked in Khayelitsha Recovered Within Hours
The hijacked EMS double-cab response vehicle was found and recovered in under two hours following the incident, with authorities locating the vehicle shortly after 4pm the same day.
However, the emergency vehicle suffered substantial damage. Officials reported that the dashboard had been disassembled, the canopy was missing, and the vehicle exhibited numerous scratches.
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The department further commented: “The vehicle, which is an EMS double-cab response unit, was retrieved just after 4pm that day, but it was damaged, with the dashboard torn apart, visible scratches, and the canopy missing.”
Khayelitsha Hijacking Investigation Continues as Suspects Remain at Large
Police reports indicate that the victim was confronted by armed assailants as she approached her vehicle. She was reportedly forced inside before the suspects fled the scene.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala stated: “As per reports, a 56-year-old female victim was walking towards her work vehicle when armed individuals confronted her, compelled her inside, and drove off.”
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“A bystander who witnessed the incident alerted the police, initiating a search operation. The victim was found unharmed, and the vehicle was recovered, albeit with damage to the interior. The suspects remain at large, and investigations are ongoing.”
Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing leads to identify and capture those responsible.
EMS Staff Safety Under Scrutiny Following Recent Incidents
This recent hijacking incident in Khayelitsha follows the unfortunate death of EMS official Lionel Rossi during an event in Elsies River. Rossi was reportedly chasing individuals who had stolen his cellphone in a smash-and-grab incident along Jan van Riebeeck Drive.
It is believed that the Paarl resident suffered a heart attack during the chase. The police have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness indicated that EMS personnel continue to face significant safety risks while on duty. Between April 2025 and 17 March 2026, the department reported 90 safety-related incidents involving EMS staff and vehicles.
These incidents included 23 stoning attacks, 12 robberies, seven assaults, 23 physical threats, eight verbal threats, and eight theft cases.
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Following Rossi’s death, police arrested seven suspects believed to be connected to smash-and-grab crimes in the area. Most of those detained were minors aged 13 to 16, but they were released shortly afterward.
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