The Chuene Clinic in Ga-Chuene village, outside Polokwane, Limpopo, has been temporarily closed following a horrific attack on two of its nurses.
The attack unfolded around 1am. A heavily armed man, or men, overpowered three security guards, tying them up before abducting the two nurses who were on night duty. Reports indicate that the gunman, after handcuffing two of the security guards, forced the third to lead him to the nurses.
He then allegedly dragged them to nearby bushes where he repeatedly raped them and robbed them of their valuables. The traumatised nurses only managed to return to the clinic around 5am, recounting their ordeal to authorities. They were subsequently taken to Seshego hospital for medical evaluation.
The incident has understandably instilled fear amongst healthcare workers. A 46-year-old nurse, speaking anonymously, expressed the widespread sentiment: “We put our lives in danger trying to help the sick but end up getting attacked. We don’t want to work night shifts until security is beefed up at healthcare centres across the province.”
Following the attack, the clinic was immediately closed. Department of Health spokesman Neil Shikwambana explained: “The clinic will remain closed throughout the weekend due to these traumatic events involving robbery, abduction, and sexual assault of the nurses. In light of this situation, we encourage villagers to seek medical assistance at the nearest clinics in the neighbouring areas, including Maja, Soetfontein, and Unit B clinics.”
He added that the department sympathises with their employees and is concerned about the impact on their well-being and that of the community.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) in Limpopo strongly condemned the incident. Provincial secretary Jacob Molepo stated: “All nurses will be referred for counselling, and night duty will be suspended indefinitely. We call upon villagers to cooperate with police and provide all the necessary information to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested.”
He further urged the department to enhance security in health facilities by deploying qualified armed security officers and installing cameras and other security monitoring devices.
Molepo added, “We thought healthcare workers were safe while working at night because this is the only clinic in the area that operates 24/7 to help villagers.”
Limpopo police spokesman Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that they are investigating cases of business robbery, two counts of rape, and kidnapping.
He stated: “Provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has assembled a multi-disciplinary team to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrator to book to face the full might of the law.”
He urged anyone with information to contact the Detective Commander of Lebowakgomo cop shop, Colonel Mmapitsi Sekotlong, on 082 565 8234 or call the crime stop number on 08600 10111.
Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego expressed her "shock and disgust" at the attack, describing it as a "barbaric" act and a significant setback to the department's efforts to maintain 24/7 clinic operations.
She stated: "This incident is not only an attack on our clinic. It’s an insult to the very fabric of our community. Individuals responsible for this crime are not strangers here. They're among us. I urge villagers to rise up and assist police in their investigation,” She confirmed that psychological support has been arranged for the victims and vowed that her department would work tirelessly with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.
She added: "My heart goes out to the two nurses who have suffered immense physical and psychological trauma.”
The closure of the Chuene Clinic, even temporarily, represents a significant disruption to healthcare services in the area. The incident underscores the critical need for improved security measures at healthcare facilities across Limpopo and the country as a whole.
The ongoing police investigation and the support being offered to the victims are crucial steps in addressing this horrific crime and preventing similar incidents in the future. The community awaits justice and improved safety measures with bated breath.
