Police in Limpopo are investigating a disturbing case of murder and attempted murder that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 08 March 2025, inside the psychiatric ward of Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Sekhukhune District.
At approximately 02h00, police officers, who were on patrol at the time, responded swiftly to reports of an assault at the hospital.
Upon arrival, they discovered a gruesome crime scene inside a locked room. A 45-year-old male suspect was found on top of a lifeless male body, covered in blood, allegedly biting the deceased’s g*nitals.
The deceased, aged 33, had sustained a gunshot wound to the head, along with multiple injuries, including missing teeth.
The suspect also suffered gunshot wounds to both legs, reportedly inflicted by a security officer who was attempting to intervene. He was immediately placed under police guard and is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Additionally, a security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh, caused by a ricochet bullet fired by his colleague during the incident. Several spent cartridges were recovered from the scene.
The suspect has been formally arrested for murder, and investigations are ongoing. Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident, stating, “This is a deeply disturbing and gruesome incident that has left the community in shock.
The safety of both patients and healthcare workers remains a priority, and we will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. We commend the police officers for their swift response.”