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**Incident Overview**
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has disclosed that the suspect arrested for the abduction and rape of two nurses at Chuene Clinic was out on parole at the time of the crime. The harrowing incident occurred on the night of Friday, 10 January, when an armed man attacked the clinic near Lebowakgomo.
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Reports indicate that the suspect first subdued the security guards before abducting the nurses. The victims were missing for several hours and only returned around 5:00 AM.
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## **Suspect Apprehended**
Speaking at the clinic on Sunday, Premier Ramathuba expressed deep concern over the distress caused to the victims. She confirmed that a 27-year-old suspect was arrested at his home in Feke village, Ga-Maja, by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
During the arrest, authorities recovered a stolen 9mm pistol, nine live rounds of ammunition, and other items, including laptops, smartphones, a panga, and cash. Investigators linked the firearm to a previous house robbery involving a female police officer.
## **Criminal Record and Additional Charges**
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is implicated in over ten serious crimes in the Lebowakgomo area. These include:
– A business robbery at Chuene Clinic
– A house robbery and attempted murder in Ga-Molepo (17 January 2025)
– An attempted business robbery at Ga-Thaba Clinic
– A house robbery and rape in Fynbos village on the R37
The suspect faces multiple charges, including possession of stolen property. He is set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 January. Investigations are ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
## **Temporary Closure of Chuene Clinic**
Following the attack, Ramathuba confirmed that Chuene Clinic would remain closed as a safety measure.
“We decided not to reopen the clinic until the suspect was apprehended. Given his history of terrorizing other clinics, it was a necessary decision,” she explained.
She expressed concern that reopening the clinic earlier might have resulted in further attacks. The provincial government is now evaluating measures to ensure a secure reopening.
“The two nurses are severely traumatized. They will not return to work at this clinic, meaning we are already two nurses short,” she added. The government will provide psychological support for the affected staff.
## **Security Guards Under Investigation**
Ramathuba directed the Department of Health to investigate the security guards’ response during the attack.
“It’s concerning that three security guards were overpowered by one individual. The suspect was armed, but certain actions raise questions,” she stated.
One security guard at Ga-Thaba Clinic had successfully fought off the same suspect, reinforcing suspicions about the Chuene Clinic guards’ response.
## **Suspect Released on Parole**
The premier confirmed that the suspect had been released on parole in November last year.
“He was given parole and immediately went on a rampage,” she said.
She vowed to monitor the case closely to ensure justice is served.
## **Mob Justice in Ga-Maja**
Ramathuba also addressed a mob justice incident in Ga-Maja, where residents mistakenly killed an innocent man.
The attack followed a house robbery in Ga-Thaba, where the actual suspect shot a 10-year-old girl, who is now fighting for her life in the hospital.
“The community captured the wrong person and burned him alive. Unfortunately, mob justice led to the loss of an innocent life,” she stated, urging people to cooperate with law enforcement instead.
## **Conclusion**
Authorities are committed to ensuring that the suspect faces the full extent of the law. Meanwhile, efforts continue to support the victims and secure medical facilities from further attacks.