LIMPOPO – A female security guard was raped and her male colleague disarmed and assaulted during an incident at the Mokgapheng Clinic in the Greater Tzaneen area recently.
The incident has once again put in the spotlight security conditions at state hospitals in the province.
After the assault, the attackers fled the scene with the guard’s mobile phone.
The intruders are said to have cut the fence from the back to gain entry into the 24-hour health facility.
The Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba condemned the incident, saying she was shocked by the brutal attack.
Ramathuba said she was even more concerned that the attack was perpetrated by people from the same community, who previously complained that the clinic should be open day and night.
The department has since deployed a high level team to the clinic to further investigate this matter.
“We will continue to support the female security officer who is currently undergoing treatment and counselling.
It is disturbing to learn that people tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of our patients, staff members and our facilities are now being targeted by criminal elements. This further deals a huge blow to our efforts to render the much needed 24-hour services at our clinics as nurses now fear for their safety”.
Ramathuba has called on the law enforcement agencies handling this matter to speedily arrest these perpetrators.
She further called on the community to defend and protect staff members at health care institutions.
“The department views these acts of crime in a serious light and will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice prevails,” she said.
In the past, the department has been ridden by similar incidents, especially in the Mopani region.
Nurses all over the province have registered their displeasure over security measures at rural clinics.
Nurses in Phalaborwa recently informed Ramathuba about their plight and insecurities at local clinics.
Most clinics are guarded by two security guards.
Some female security officers have appealed to the department to get to a resolution of not having to work night shift.
Ramathuba said she is concerned about the substandard security provided by contractors.
“Some security companies are not equipping their officers.
“These companies do not provide their officers with the requisite equipment to execute their duties.
What they are more concerned is maximising profits. It is for this reason that we want to in-source services like security,” said Ramathuba.
