Latest news with #RolandRobertson


The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Runner dies after collapsing near finish line of Howick 10km race
Runner dies after collapsing near finish line of Howick 10km race A 57-year-old runner collapsed near the finish line of the Howick 10km race from Mpophomeni Shopping Mall to Howick West in KZN yesterday. The Witness reports that he was later declared dead at Hilton Life Hospital after receiving intensive care from Midlands EMS paramedics on the scene. Midlands EMS operations director Roland Robertson says crews were on medical standby at the event. The runner collapsed 'moments before completing the race', he says. Midlands EMS paramedics on site responded immediately and found the athlete in cardiac arrest. CPR was commenced without delay, and advanced life support (ALS) protocols were initiated. 'The patient was placed on a manual ventilator and received multiple shocks from a defibrillator in an effort to restore a heartbeat,' Robertson says. He adds that the sustained and intense resuscitation efforts resulted in the patient being stabilised. He was then transported, under continuous ALS care, to a nearby hospital, where he unfortunately died. 'Midlands EMS extends its heartfelt condolences to the athlete's family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you,' Robertson says. KZN Athletics president Steve Mkasi told The Witness that the organisation is awaiting a detailed report. He added that the next of kin has been contacted and that it was unfortunate that the man died while running, an activity that is part of a healthy lifestyle. He said the event organiser had taken all the necessary precautions by organising an ambulance, which responded promptly, and paramedics did the best they could to assist the athlete. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
29-04-2025
- The Citizen
Gunman poses as passenger, kills taxi driver in KZN
A taxi driver was shot dead while driving along the R617 just outside Merrivale in Howick, KZN, this afternoon. According to The Witness, the driver is also said to be the owner of the taxi. The identity of the driver cannot be revealed as yet. The taxi, carrying a full load of commuters, was en route to KwaHhaza outside Mpophomeni from Pietermaritzburg. According to eyewitnesses, the shooter posed as a passenger sitting in the front seat. The man shot the driver once in the head and jumped off the taxi. The incident occurred when the taxi slowed down for speed humps, and the sound of the gunshot sent panic through the vehicle and to street vendors. 'The taxi continued to drive for about 200m before it veered off the road and crashed. At some point on the speed humps it looked like it will crash on the side. The shooter jumped off and ran away. When the police arrived, he was nowhere to be seen,' said an eyewitness. When The Witness arrived at the scene, fear was palpable among the passengers, who had scattered out of the taxi, leaving their groceries behind. Elderly women were among the passengers who all fled the scene in terror, unsure if there was another shooter on board. Midlands EMS operations director Roland Robertson said a number of passengers sustained injuries and were treated at the scene. The motive behind this brazen attack is still unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident. The community members who were at the scene were in shock and questioned the motive of the shooting. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!