| 2025/01/19 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the collaborative efforts of various police units involved in the swift arrest of a suspect linked to multiple serious and violent crimes, including the brutal robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault of two female nurses at Chuene Clinic in Thokgwaneng Village, Ga-Chuene, under the Lebowakgomo policing area on the morning of Friday, 10 January 2025. The Provincial Commissioner pronounced this developments during the media briefing held today at Ga-Chuene clinic in Thokgwaneng, joined by the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, members of Executive Council, Ms Violet Mathye, MEC Mashego, Executive Mayor of Capricorn, Cllr Mamedupi Teffo and Polokwane MMC for Community Services, Cllr Josuf Pemma. The Provincial Commissioner noted that on the devastating day, 10th January 2025, the suspect entered the security guard-room, where three security members were on duty and pointed them with a firearm. He then tied two of the security guards and instructed the third guard, a female security officer to lead him to the clinic premises. He then found two female nurses on duty, pointed them with a firearm, searched their bags, and robbed them of their cellphones. The suspect took the two nurses out of the premises on foot at gunpoint to the nearby bushes, leaving behind the female security officer. He then sexually assaulted the victims and fled the scene. Following meticulous investigation, the team successfully located the 27-year-old suspect on Saturday, 18 January, at Ga-Maja Ga Phiri Village, where he was apprehended at his home. This follows an intelligence-driven operation, led by the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Investigations Unit, Lebowakgomo Detectives, Westenburg Detectives and the Modimolle LCRC. During the arrest, the team recovered a 9mm pistol, which had been reportedly stolen in a previous house robbery involving a female police officer attached to the Lebowakgomo Police Station. 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. During the arrest, the police recovered items such as the stolen firearm, live ammunition, laptops, cellphones, cash, and other valuables. The suspect who is facing multiple charges will appear at the Polokwane Magistrate Court on Monday, 20 January 2025. The Police will continue to investigate and finalize other linked cases. Lieutenant General Hadebe has praised the dedicated efforts of all the operational teams involved in this successful arrest and reassured 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.
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