Paramedics outside Cape Town must wait for armed police before helping hurt people. Medical teams cannot enter nine areas called Red Zones without security guards. The Cape Flats sees the most murders across South Africa. Criminals often rob ambulance staff looking for phones or medical supplies. A man with head injuries waited almost two hours because medics needed police protection.
Medical worker Mawethu Ntintini wants to reach patients faster, but rules keep him safe. His partner, Ntombikayisi Joko, prays before each shift after past robbery attempts. Police cars with blue lights lead ambulances through dark streets to reach sick people. Some babies have died because escorts arrived late. South Africa records about 75 murders each day across the country.
Attacks on medics peaked at 90 cases during 2017 but fell to 44 last year. Pastor Craven Engel blames violence on problems from racial segregation. Poor areas lack jobs or hope for better lives. Paramedic Inathi Jacob says crews sometimes know the same criminals who threaten them. Medical teams continue working despite dangers because many people need their help.
Medical worker Mawethu Ntintini wants to reach patients faster, but rules keep him safe. His partner, Ntombikayisi Joko, prays before each shift after past robbery attempts. Police cars with blue lights lead ambulances through dark streets to reach sick people. Some babies have died because escorts arrived late. South Africa records about 75 murders each day across the country.
Attacks on medics peaked at 90 cases during 2017 but fell to 44 last year. Pastor Craven Engel blames violence on problems from racial segregation. Poor areas lack jobs or hope for better lives. Paramedic Inathi Jacob says crews sometimes know the same criminals who threaten them. Medical teams continue working despite dangers because many people need their help.
