• Two nurses were abducted and raped during a night shift at Chuene Clinic, sparking outrage and demands for better security at healthcare facilities.
• Denosa and Haitu criticised inadequate safety measures, urging the health department to prioritise clinic security and address longstanding staff vulnerabilities.

Two female nurses were abducted, assaulted, and raped during a night shift at Chuene Clinic in Thokgwaneng village, Limpopo.

The attack occurred around 1am on Friday morning when a heavily armed man overpowered three unarmed security guards, tied them up, and took the nurses. The women were returned to the clinic around 5am, severely traumatised.

Both the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) and the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (Haitu) have condemned the incident, calling for urgent upgrades to security in public health facilities.

Denosa Limpopo provincial secretary, Jacob Molepo, said: “It’s time the provincial health department prioritised security at our clinics. Relying on two or three guards without advanced systems like security cameras and monitoring devices is inadequate.”

Despite the outrage, Molepo assured that healthcare services would continue, even at night, while they engage the department for improved safety measures.

Haitu deputy president Mulatedzi Ramaano criticised the long-standing neglect of security concerns, emphasising that this is not an isolated incident.

“Most clinics have one or two guards stationed at gates, far from the buildings, and they’re unarmed. This leaves healthcare workers vulnerable,” he said.

Ramaano also highlighted the absence of security cameras and personnel inside clinics, alongside the shortage of male healthcare workers.

“Having male co-workers, as seen in other sectors like police, could deter such attacks. Unfortunately, the healthcare system lacks sufficient male staff.”

Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego condemned the crime as a violation of the community’s safety and called on residents to assist police investigations.

“The perpetrators live among us. We must come forward with information to bring them to justice,” said Mashego.

Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered an immediate investigation into the attack, promising swift action to ensure justice for the victims.

This horrific incident has reignited calls for the provincial government to act urgently to protect healthcare workers who risk their lives to serve the public.

Pictured above: Magwedzha clinic is one of the healthcare facilities in Limpopo that does not have security cameras.

Source: Ndivhuwo Mukwevho