Wednesday, March 24, 2010

** South African police make arrest in rape of female paramedic

** Off-duty ambulance staff identified as drunken St. Patrick’s Day revelers transported to train station by UK paramedic

SOUTH AFRICA NEWS

** Though one suspect remains at large, police in Roodeport say they have arrested a man in connection with the rape of an area paramedic. The Independent (March 23) said the individual was taken into custody Friday. According to police spokesman Sizwe Matshikiza, the suspect has offered substantial information on his partner. The accused allegedly raped one female paramedic March 5 while she was attending a burned toddler in Durban Deep;he also attempted to rape a second practitioner. The Citizen (Tlalane Tshetlo/March 23) said the man appeared in court Monday. He has been charged with rape, attempted rape, and assault;his next court appearance is April 1.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** Drunken St. Patrick’s Day revelers, transported in an ambulance vehicle by an on-duty Reading paramedic, were actually EMS staff. That is the word from the BBC (March 23) which said the women, who were off duty, were employed with the South Central Ambulance Service. According to the news site, a freelance photographer caught the women’s antics on camera when they were dropped off at an area train station. An SCAS spokesman said they have now begun an investigation into the matter. The MediForce Ltd. paramedic involved, meanwhile, remains suspended.