Limpopo Man Arrested in Connection With the Rape of Two Nurses
A 27-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the rape of two nurses in Ga-Chuene, Limpopo, and has been linked to several other cases.
The suspect is facing multiple charges, including robbery and possession of stolen property and will appear at the Polokwane magistrate’s court on Monday.
Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, together with the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe held a media briefing on Sunday, premier Phophi Ramathuba confirmed the suspect’s arrest at his home in Feke village, Ga-Maja, on Saturday where police recovered a firearm and items linked to other crimes.
“Preliminary investigations reveal the suspect is connected to more than 10 serious cases within the Lebowakgomo policing area,” said Ramathuba.
She added that the attack at Ga-Chuene Clinic was not only a violation of the nurses but also a direct assault on healthcare services in the province.
“Investigations are ongoing and additional charges will be laid as evidence is finalised,” said the premier.
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Ramathuba questioned the performance of security personnel, noting 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.”
“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.
The premier said psychological support continues to be provided to the nurse and Ga-Chuene Clinic remains closed.
The provincial police commission said 27-year-old man is also implicated and directly linked to two house robbery and two counts of rape at Fynbos village on the R37 road.
“This suspect terrorised the communities of Fynbos, Ga-Maja, Chuene, Matobole, Thokgwaneng and Mothiba Ngwanamago, amongst others, within Lebowakgomo and Mankweng policing areas,” said Hadebe.
“It is important to note that the suspect was out on parole for a previous conviction of house robbery at the time of this incident. During the arrest, the police recovered a 9mm pistol, reportedly stolen in Mothiba Ngwanamago, along with nine live ammunition rounds.
The suspect is also alleged to have committed three robberies on the evening of Friday.
“In total, the suspect has been linked to over eight serious and violent cases within the Lebowakgomo policing area and Mankweng. The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 20, 2025, while our team continues to finalise all other cases associated with him for subsequent court appearances,” said Hadebe.