Polokwane – A 27-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the shocking abduction and rape of nurses at Chuene Clinic in Limpopo will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s court today, Monday, (20 January 2025).
The suspect was arrested on Saturday, (18 January 2025), when police officers found him relaxing at his home in Ga-Maja Ga Phiri village, outside Lebowakgomo. A gun and electronic gadgets were recovered during the arrest.
RELATED: Chuene Clinic Horror: 2 Nurses On Night Duty Abducted By Gunmen, Raped – The Bulrushes
The 27-year-old suspect allegedly entered the security guardroom at Chuene Clinic on 10 January 2025.
The alleged suspect pointed a gun at three security guards before he tied them up.
Two nurses on duty were forced out of the clinic premises and marched, at gunpoint, to the nearby bushes, where they were raped.
The suspect had been on the run from the law since the brazen clinic attack and rape of nurses.
The 27-year-old suspect is also linked to several robberies and other sexual assaults within the Lebowakgomo policing area.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the collaborative efforts of various police units involved in the arrest of the suspect.
“This should serve as a stern warning to all criminals who undermine the security of our government facilities.
We will ensure that the perpetrator faces the full consequences of his actions, as we continue to ensure that victims of gender-based violence receive justice,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Limpopo has also applauded the police for arresting the suspect.
DENOSA said the suspect’s arrest provided relief to fearful nurses and communities.
The nurses union urged the court to deny the suspect bail when he appears.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba told a media briefing Sunday, (19 January 2025), that she was concerned about the capacity of the security guards at the clinic because three of them were overpowered by the armed suspect.
Premier Dr. Ramathuba also noted that one of the guards – a female – was not restrained with her two male colleagues yet she did not call for help from the police after the intruder left the premises with the two nurses.
