Firefighters attacked while responding to emergency

A CITY of Cape Town fire crew came under attack while returning to Belhar, the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting emergency services across the metro.

- MURRAY SWART

The firefighters were returning to base after putting out a vegetation fire in Connaught Estate when their vehicle was stoned along 35th Street, between Bishop Lavis Drive and Robert Sobukwe Road on Thursday.

Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the attack happened at about 10.30pm, near the Malawi Camp informal settlement.

"The driver saw someone standing along the road. The next minute, a brick was hurled at the vehicle, damaging the windscreen," said Smith.

"No one was injured, but the attack has left another emergency vehicle out of service. Because of their selfish actions, a fire engine will be out of commission for repairs, right when we are heading into one of our busiest periods of the year," Smith said.