A 24-year-old South African man is scheduled to appear in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday after allegedly stealing an ambulance with a patient still inside.
The unusual incident unfolded late Thursday night in the North West town, leaving residents and authorities shocked.
Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh stated that the ambulance was taken just before midnight while Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) staff were tending to a patient.
The crew had placed the patient in the ambulance and were finalising the transfer process when the suspect allegedly got behind the wheel and drove off.
Emergency services immediately contacted the police, who acted swiftly. Officers managed to track down the ambulance in Tshing Extension 5, not far from Ventersdorp, and brought it to a stop. The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning.
Fortunately, the patient inside the ambulance was unharmed, and no injuries were reported during the ordeal.
“The patient, already secured in the back of the ambulance, was unharmed,” Myburgh confirmed.
The suspect now faces charges of vehicle theft and is expected to be formally charged in court.
Acting North West police commissioner Major-General Patrick Asaneng praised the officers involved for their quick response, ensuring the safe recovery of both the ambulance and the patient.
