Dog bite victim dies while waiting for ambulance

A ROODEPAN resident, who was attacked by a dog, died after reportedly waiting nearly nine hours for an ambulance to transport him for medical assistance.

Ann Jooste said her grandfather, Isak Pakkies, was walking home along Woodpecker Street on January 18 when he was bitten on the leg by a stray dog.

“He was bleeding profusely and we called the ambulance shortly before 2am. By the time the ambulance arrived at 10.50am, it was too late,” said Jooste.

“They told us that they were ‘busy’ and were unable to collect the patient any sooner.”

Jooste stated that the Northern Cape Department of Health should be held responsible for “gross negligence”.

“My grandfather was otherwise in good health and we want an autopsy to be conducted to determine the cause of death,” she added

The SPCA said the dog was currently in their care pending a police investigation.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam stated that the Roodepan police had opened an inquest docket following the death of a 60-year-old man at his home in Woodpecker Street, Roodepan, on January 18.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was walking down the street when a dog suddenly attacked him. The police are investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life,” said Sam.

He added that police investigations were continuing.

Spokesperson for the Northern Cape Department of Health Lulu Mxekezo explained that the call was received, triaged and recorded.

“No other calls regarding the case were recorded on the system. The description was not described nor received as life-threatening and other cases that were classified as red cases were prioritised.”

She conveyed condolences to the family.

“Sadly, when emergency medical services arrived at the scene the patient had demised. The South African Police Services was also contacted to further manage the reported case.”

She indicated that the cause of death could only be confirmed by the autopsy report.