A 24-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Friday, 27 December 2024, in Tshing Location, Ventersdorp, for allegedly stealing an ambulance with a patient inside. The incident occurred late on Thursday, 26 December 2024, at around 23:55 in front of the local hospital.
According to police reports, Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel were attending to a patient who had been placed inside the ambulance for transportation to a neighbouring hospital. As the paramedics were finalizing the handover process, the suspect allegedly seized the opportunity, climbed into the driver’s seat, and drove off with the ambulance — and the patient still in the back.
Police were alerted immediately and launched a rapid response. The stolen ambulance was traced and stopped a short while later in Tshing, Extension 5. Fortunately, the patient was unharmed during the ordeal.
The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to appear in the Ventersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 December 2024, facing a charge of motor vehicle theft.
Major General Patrick Asaneng, Acting North West Provincial Police Commissioner, praised the officers for their swift and efficient action, saying, “This quick response highlights our commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and the protection of public resources.”
Ambulance Stolen With Patient Inside: Suspected Arrested in Ventersdorp
The man was apprehended following an incident in which an ambulance was allegedly stolen right in front of the local hospital on Thursday, 26 December 2024. Picture: Supplied.