POLOKWANE – A 27-year-old man from Ga-Phiri Village, Ga-Maja has been arrested for the robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault of two female nurses at Chuene Clinic on January 10.

The man, who is linked to over 10 serious and violent crimes was arrested at his home yesterday (January 18) following a meticulous investigation by the Provincial Tracking Team, the Provincial Investigations Unit, Lebowakgomo detectives, Westenburg detectives and the Modimolle LCRC.

The suspect is said to have entered the guard room at the clinic and tied two guards up at gunpoint. He then instructed a third guard, a female, to lead him to the clinic premises.

The suspect found two nurses on duty where he searched their bags and robbed them of their cellphones at gunpoint.

He then took the two nurses out of the premises on foot to nearby bushes where he sexually assaulted the victims and fled the scene.

Read more: Lim Health Dept condemns abduction and rape of Ga-Chuene nurses

The announcement of his arrest was made by the provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe during a media briefing earlier today at Ga-Chuene clinic in Thokgwaneng.

She was joined by the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and various other stakeholders and local government officials.

Hadebe says a 9mm pistol was recovered during the arrest, which had been reportedly stolen in a previous house robbery involving a female police officer attached to the Lebowakgomo Police Station.

Read more: Lebowakgomo police officer locked in boot during house robbery

“The suspect is also linked to several other serious crimes, including a business robbery at Thokgwaneng Clinic, a house robbery and attempted murder in Ga-Molepo and various other robberies and sexual assaults. In total, the suspect is linked to over 10 serious and violent cases within the Lebowakgomo policing area,” Hadebe told the media.

Various items such as the stolen firearm, live ammunition, laptops, cellphones, cash, and other valuables were recovered during his arrest.

The suspect faces multiple charges and will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate Court tomorrow (January 20).

Hadebe says the police will continue investigating and finalising other linked cases.

“We praise the dedicated efforts of all the operational teams involved in this successful arrest and reassure the public that the police will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals to ensure the safety of all residents in Limpopo. This should serve as a stern warning to all criminals who undermine the security of our government facilities. We will ensure that the perpetrator faces the full consequences of his actions, as we continue to ensure that victims of gender-based violence receive justice,” she concluded.