Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego has urged the Ga-Chuene community to assist in the arrest of an armed suspect involved in an abduction and rape incident early yesterday morning.

Two nurses from the Chuene Clinic were abducted at gunpoint, assaulted, and raped.

“This incident is not just an attack on our clinic; it is an affront to the very fabric of our community. The individuals responsible for this crime are not strangers; they may be living among us. Surely, as community members, we must know something. I urge every member of our community to rise up and assist the police in their investigation. We must come together, share any information, and support law enforcement in their relentless pursuit of justice,” her statement reads.

Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana says the heavily armed man entered the clinic around 01:00, overpowered three security guards, tied them up, and abducted two nurses.

“The nurses were on night duty and reappeared around 05:00 [Friday] morning,” he adds.

Mashego describes the ‘deplorable’ incident as a serious setback to the department’s efforts to ensure clinics operate 24/7.

“How can we convince our staff to work night shifts to serve the community if the same community turns against them in such a violent manner?”

Shikwambana adds that police were called to the scene and psychological support has been arranged for the victims.

Mashego vows the department will not rest until the perpetrator is found and brought to justice.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered an immediate investigation.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba says the suspect faces charges of business robbery, kidnapping, and two counts of rape.

“After tying up two security guards at gunpoint, the suspect forced one guard to lead him to the clinic premises, where two female nurses were on duty. He searched their bags at gunpoint, robbed them of their cellphones, and took them out of the premises to nearby bushes, where he sexually assaulted them before fleeing,” Mashaba explains.

The traumatised nurses walked back to the clinic and were transferred to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Hadebe has assembled a multi-disciplinary team to expedite the investigation and bring the suspect to justice. She also urges community members to provide information that could assist the investigation.

Anyone with information should contact Lebowakgomo detective commander Colonel Mmapitsi Sekotlong on 082 565 8234, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app.