Polokwane – Chuene Clinic in Thokgwaneng village, Limpopo, remains closed since the horrific incident in which two nurses were abducted during the night shift by gunmen and later raped.
Narrating the horror events of Friday, (10 January 2025), the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) said: “Two nurses working night duty were abducted at gunpoint, assaulted, and raped at Chuene Clinic in the Capricorn District”.
DENOSA, the nurses’ union, added: “The heavily armed men entered the Chuene Clinic, overpowered three security personnel, and tied them up before abducting the two nurses.
“This incident occurred around 01:00 am. while the nurses were on night duty.
“They took the two nurses and left the clinic with them, and they only reappeared around 5 am.
“The two nurses have suffered immense physical and psychological trauma.”
On Saturday, the Limpopo Department of Health informed the local community that the clinic would remain closed.
“In light of this situation, we encourage community members to seek medical assistance at the nearest clinics in the neighbouring areas,” said Neil Shikwambana, the health department spokesperson in Limpopo.
“We are committed to keeping you updated regarding the re-opening of the Chuene clinic and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Shikwambana said that the department deeply empathises with Clinic staff and the community.
“As we navigate through this challenging time, let us unite in keeping the two nurses and all clinic employees in our thoughts and prayers,” said Shikwambana.
“Together, we can foster a supportive environment for our healthcare workers.”
However, DENOSA has criticised the department for poor levels of security at public health facilities in the province.
“We call on upon the Department of Health to strengthen security in the health facilities by ensuring that service providers deploy competent and armed security officers, install cameras and other monitoring security devices,“ said Jacob Molepo, DENOSA provincial secretary.
Molepo also urged police officers investigating the shocking incident at Chuene clinic “to leave no stone unturned” to find the perpetrators.
The nurses’ union demanded that all nurses at the clinic be referred for counselling and that night duty be suspended indefinitely.
“DENOSA wishes the affected nurse a speedy recovery,” said Molepo.
