A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the robbery and sexual assault of two nurses at Chuene Clinic outside Polokwane. The 27-year-old parolee was captured at his residence in Feke, Ga-Maja village, after evading authorities for eight days. He is set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate Court on Monday for his alleged crimes.
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, along with Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, disclosed the arrest details at a press conference held at Chuene Clinic. The suspect, who was released on parole in November 2024, has been linked to several offenses in the area, including an attempted robbery at Thaba Clinic on Friday.
During the arrest, law enforcement officers recovered a 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen in a previous house robbery involving a female police officer from Lebowakgomo police station. Additionally, items such as laptops, smartphones, a machete, and cash believed to be connected to other criminal activities in the region were confiscated from the suspect.
The investigation into the attack at Chuene Clinic is ongoing, stated provincial police commissioner Hadebe. The clinic will remain closed for the time being, with Ramathuba indicating that while it will eventually reopen, full-time care may not resume immediately.
Representative Jackson Chuene of Chuene Royal Council expressed relief over the suspect’s apprehension, emphasizing the community’s need for healthcare services to resume at the clinic. Another resident, Alpheus Chuene, urged authorities to expedite the appointment of well-trained security guards to facilitate the clinic’s reopening.
Following the incident, health workers’ unions demanded the deployment of armed guards before returning to Chuene Clinic. Health MEC Mashego announced the formation of a panel to ensure that private security firms contracted to safeguard health facilities adhere to service level agreements.
Residents also highlighted the neglected state of the clinic premises, with broken doors, windows, and inadequate facilities. Mashego pledged to address the maintenance issues and enhance the clinic’s infrastructure. The community is hopeful that measures will be taken to improve security and restore essential healthcare services at Chuene Clinic.
