Senior EMS Official Thwarts Khayelitsha Hijacking; Damaged Emergency Vehicle Recovered
An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) official of high rank faced a dangerous situation when she was hijacked in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday afternoon.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness reported that the incident took place around 3pm as the employee was heading to an EMS base nearby. While she did not suffer any physical injuries, she is dealing with the emotional aftermath of the incident.
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The department stated: “On 22 June, one of our Emergency Medical Services personnel was a victim of hijacking in Khayelitsha.
“This incident occurred at approximately 3pm while she was on her way to the EMS base in the area.
“Even though our staff member was not physically hurt, she is experiencing trauma and is receiving counseling and support through our employee wellness program.
“After the incident, a case was reported to the South African Police Service, and we are working closely with SAPS to ensure the suspects are brought to justice.”
EMS Vehicle Hijacked in Khayelitsha Recovered Within Hours
The hijacked EMS double-cab response vehicle was found and recovered within two hours of the incident. Authorities located the vehicle shortly after 4pm on the same day.
However, the emergency response vehicle sustained considerable damage. Officials noted that the dashboard had been removed, the canopy was missing, and there were numerous scratches on the vehicle.
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The department added: “The EMS double-cab response vehicle was recovered just after 4pm that day, but it was damaged, with the dashboard taken apart, evident scratches, and the missing canopy.”
Khayelitsha Hijacking Investigation Continues as Suspects Remain at Large
Police reports indicate that the victim was approached by armed suspects as she neared her vehicle. She was reportedly forced inside before the assailants drove off.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala stated: “According to reports, a 56-year-old female victim was walking towards her work vehicle when armed individuals approached her, forced her inside, and drove away.”
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“A bystander who witnessed the incident alerted the police, prompting a search operation. The victim was found unharmed, and the vehicle was recovered with damages to the interior. The suspects are still at large, and investigations are ongoing.”
Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing the case to identify and apprehend those responsible.
EMS Staff Safety Under Scrutiny Following Recent Incidents
This recent hijacking in Khayelitsha follows the tragic death of EMS official Lionel Rossi during an incident in Elsies River. Rossi was reportedly pursuing individuals who had stolen his cellphone in a smash-and-grab event along Jan van Riebeeck Drive.
It is believed that the Paarl resident suffered a heart attack during the chase. The police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness revealed that EMS personnel continue to face significant safety threats while on duty. Between April 2025 and 17 March 2026, 90 safety-related incidents involving EMS staff and vehicles were recorded.
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 involved in smash-and-grab crimes in the area. Most of those detained were minors aged between 13 and 16, but they were released shortly thereafter.
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