Breakthrough in Limpopo clinic robbery, nurses’ rape case
A suspect has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the assault, abduction and rape of two nurses at a clinic in Polokwane.
The 27-year-old is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court today on multiple charges including robbery and possession of stolen property.
It is alleged the suspect kidnapped the two nurses from the Chuene Clinic and raped them in a bush earlier this month.
During a media briefing on Sunday, Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba revealed that the suspect was arrested at his home in Feke village, Ga-Maja on Saturday.
Police recovered a firearm and items linked to other crimes.
“The recovered firearm was linked to other cases and could conclude that it was stolen during a robbery involving a female police officer.”
Ramathuba added that police also recovered items that included laptops, smartphones, a panga, and cash.
The suspect is also alleged to be linked to 10 more cases in the Lebowakgomo district.
“The attack on the Chuene Clinic, it was not only a violation of the nurses and the staff but also a direct assault on the provision of health care services in our province,” said Ramathuba.
The clinic still remains closed until further notice despite the provincial health department’s announcement on Tuesday that the clinic would be reopened following a four-day closure.
In a statement, Limpopo’s health department says the decision to keep the clinic closed follows a thorough reassessment.
READ MORE: Reopening of Polokwane’s Chuene Clinic delayed
The premier was unable to guarantee the full operation of the health facility adding that her main concern is that of the victims and the broader society.
“The two nurses are traumatized; they will never agree to come and work at the clinic again. Now, meaning we have two nurses short – we have another shortage of staff because of someone’s son.”
She said psychological support continues to be provided to the nurse.
Ramathuba raised concerns about the security personnels’ performance, pointing out that three guards at the clinic were overpowered during the attack.
“You can’t have three security guards being overpowered by one person. Yes, we understand that he was carrying a gun, but what is frustrating is that he took the two female nurses and left our female security guard, who was not handcuffed like the other males. She had the opportunity to call the police, the matron, or the HOT [Health Operations Team], but she did not. The incident happened last Friday night.”
She stated that an investigation into the clinic's security personnel is also necessary.
“Here we had three guards and none of them could overpower him. We need to investigate why this happened. Were they asleep when he arrived? We must delve deeper into this situation,” said Ramathuba.
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