By Teboho Moloi
KESTELL – Angry residents in Kestell, within Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, have slammed the persistent lack of ambulance services, calling it a violation of their constitutional rights.
Community members say years of poor emergency response have put lives at risk, with some patients dying while waiting for help.
They describe a deepening crisis, with women forced to give birth at home – and in some cases in the street – due to the absence of timely medical assistance.
Maponto Mokoena said her family endured repeated trauma when an ambulance failed to arrive.
“We had no choice but to assist my sister to give birth at home twice because the ambulance never came. It was terrifying. No family should go through this,” she said.
Residents are now demanding at least two ambulances to service Kestell and surrounding farms.
Community leader Sfiso Sibaya said delays in emergency response have already cost lives.
“One victim, a police officer, died hours after being shot because help did not arrive. Another man, stabbed in the leg, also died while waiting. We are a forgotten community,” he said.
Sibaya added that repeated appeals to the health department have gone unanswered.
Residents are also calling for a 24-hour clinic and a fully operational police station, warning that the lack of round-the-clock services leaves them exposed, especially at night.
South African Communist Party (SACP) regional secretary in Thabo Mofutsanyana, Lefa Mhlambi, condemned the situation, blaming poor planning and negligence.
“The continued absence of ambulance services in Kestell is unacceptable. Lives are at risk while authorities fail to act,” he said.
