Plumtree ambulance stolen, crashes in Marula

PLUMTREE Town Council has suspended ambulance services after its only emergency vehicle was stolen in the early hours of Monday and later found extensively damaged following a rollover accident in Marula.

The ambulance, a silver Toyota Baby Quantum, was reportedly taken at around 3am from Dingumuzi Clinic, where it is routinely parked overnight to respond to emergency calls.

The vehicle was discovered approximately two hours later at Wilfred Hope Farm in Marula's Ward 11, about 33 kilometres from Plumtree. Villagers who heard unusual noises before dawn alerted authorities after finding the ambulance overturned near the scene.

Residents said the vehicle appeared to have been travelling towards the Plumtree-Bulawayo Road when the driver lost control. The accident occurred about one kilometre from the junction with the main R1 highway.

No occupants were found at the scene, raising suspicions that those involved fled on foot after the crash.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Plumtree has launched investigations into the theft and accident. No arrests had been made by the time of publication.

In a statement, Plumtree Town Council confirmed the theft and announced the temporary suspension of ambulance services.

"The general public is advised that the Council ambulance was stolen in the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2026. The vehicle has since been located. However, during the period when it was unlawfully taken, it was involved in a road traffic accident and sustained extensive damage," the council said.

"As a result, ambulance services will be unavailable while we assess the required repairs to restore it or consider sourcing an alternative one."

The local authority expressed regret over the disruption and urged residents requiring emergency medical transportation to seek alternative arrangements.

"Council regrets any inconvenience this may cause. Members of the public requiring emergency medical transport services are encouraged to make alternative arrangements during this period," the statement added.

The loss of the ambulance has created a major challenge for the town's healthcare system, particularly in emergency situations where rapid medical transport can be critical.

For many residents in Plumtree and surrounding rural communities, council ambulances often provide the most accessible means of transporting patients requiring urgent medical attention. The suspension of the service is expected to place additional pressure on families and healthcare facilities while repairs or replacement arrangements are considered.

Authorities are continuing investigations to establish who stole the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The council has not indicated how long ambulance services are likely to remain unavailable.