×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

80 ambulances go missing

THE Emergency Medical Services in Limpopo are in a fix - after 80 of its ambulances have disappeared without a trace.

THE Emergency Medical Services in Limpopo are in a fix - after 80 of its ambulances have disappeared without a trace.

This damning allegation will form part of an internal investigation into whether Bim Kerupashad, manager of EMS, and head of administration services Herbert Phaahla sold the ambulances and pocketed the money.

The two men were suspended three months ago over allegations of financial mismanagement.

In 2007 the province bought 100 new ambulances at a cost of R60million. But 80 of the ambulances have since disappeared.

But an administration official said yesterday it was "still" investigating the disappearance of the ambulances and would not comment further.

Spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the fact that the two officials had been suspended meant the department could not comment.

The department's policy requires that ambulance drivers book the vehicles in the morning for their trips.

The drivers then register the vehicles on their return and are not allocated specific vehicles.

"The two suspended men ruled EMS with an iron fist. They were untouchable and took decisions and brooked no opposition," said a source.

Another source said that one of the implicated officials, who earns a salary of about R191000 a year, which translates to about R16000 a month, owns "three luxury cars".

The official apparently owns a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz and aDiscovery.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.