Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has condemned the attack on a 41-year-old paramedic.
Sidwell Maluleka was allegedly beaten and pepper sprayed while he was transporting patients from Musina to Tshilidzini and Elim hospitals, respectively.
The incident transpired at the Baobab Tollgate between Makhado and Musina on Thursday.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the paramedic was trying to warn a motorist who wanted to carelessly overtake him about an oncoming vehicle, but the driver ignored his signals and proceeded to overtake.
“When both vehicles reached a local filling station, the driver of the other vehicle allegedly insulted the paramedic. A heated argument then ensued. The suspect went to his vehicle and came back with a pepper spray. He allegedly sprayed it in the paramedic’s eyes, then drove away from the scene” says Mojapelo.
Majapelo says the Musina police have opened a case of assault.
MEC Ramathuba says her department is disappointed by the disrespect shown to the official and patients.
“Attacking a government official on duty is equal to attacking the state. We therefore call upon anyone who might have witnessed the ordeal to come forward as this might help bring the culprit to book” she adds.