Is a life worth less than protocol?

Mpho Manyikana (email) writes:

It is with a sore heart that I pen this letter, which I hope shall not only find the powers-that-be, but shall also touch them deep down in their hearts.

This past weekend I, together with a lot of other people, had the displeasure of witnessing an injured man die a painful death after a lengthy battle for survival. The man had suffered what seemed to be a stab wound on the right side of the torso and a gunshot wound on the back. The incident took place at Goudrand Extension 3, not far from the CBD.

The man in question was apparently attacked by people unknown to him, who tried to rob him of his belongings while he was travelling home on Saturday at around 7pm. There was very little blood, but judging by the way the man was tossing and turning on the ground, I could tell he was bleeding internally. Police and paramedics were alerted and within a short space of time, there was about five metro police vehicles on scene, but no ambulance.

People pleaded with the police to rush the injured man to hospital but none of the officers on scene were brave enough to take initiative. They refused, indicating that all they could do was call the ambulance services. Around an hour later no ambulance had arrived, and the man continued to toss and turn in pain.

Some bystanders offered to take him to hospital, but they were allegedly advised against doing so, the police telling them it was against the law.

I very much doubt if there is such legislation in our country that states a civilian can’t save a life, or at least try to. Even if such legislation exists, I don’t think it is reasonable as it infringes on people’s right to life, inter alia.

Two hours later, still no ambulance, and still the man tossed and turned in pain. Once the ambulance finally arrived, it was too late for him. He succumbed to his injuries. His death was witnessed by everybody there, including very young children who came to witness the commotion. Had the police taken it upon themselves to aid him, I believe he would still be alive. His death was avoidable.

As I stood there, helpless and heartbroken, waiting for forensic pathology officials to fetch the body, I asked myself this question: Is a man’s life worth less than protocol? The question kept popping up throughout the two hours we were waiting for these officials. The question haunted me as the officials finally closed the doors of their vehicle and left for the mortuary, and I walked home, exhausted and disappointed.

I am pleading with the powers-that-be at the Metro Police department, or wherever decisions are made, to reconsider this protocol (if it ever exists) lest many more people lose their lives at the expense of it.