The Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) has strongly condemned the recent abduction and rape of two nurses at Ga-Chuene Clinic in Limpopo, an incident that has drawn widespread attention and concern. The attack, which occurred while the nurses were on night duty, has led to calls for stricter measures to protect healthcare workers and ensure accountability within the private security industry.
Following the incident, the Limpopo Department of Health initially announced plans to reopen the clinic after a four-day closure. However, the department later reversed this decision, stating that the facility would remain closed indefinitely until further notice. The suspension of operations at Ga-Chuene Clinic has highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas where security resources may be stretched.
On Sunday, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, alongside Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, announced the arrest of a 27-year-old parolee in connection with the crime. The suspect, who was reportedly out on parole at the time of the attack, was apprehended after being on the run for eight days. Police located him at his home in Ga-Maja village, near Lebowakgomo, and he appeared in court on Monday, where he opted to abandon his bail application.
TAPSOSA spokesperson Sindiswa Changuion expressed the association’s deep concern over the crime and called for the justice system to take a firm stand against such acts. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals who commit heinous crimes are held accountable in a way that serves as a deterrent to others. “Crimes of this nature should not be dealt with leniency,” Changuion said, stressing that tougher measures were needed to address the growing security challenges in the country.
In addition to calling for greater judicial accountability, TAPSOSA also directed its criticism at the private security company responsible for safeguarding the clinic. The association raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures at the facility, urging the company to conduct a thorough internal investigation. “If there was any failure in the security protocols or dereliction of duties, the company should be held accountable,” Changuion stated.
The incident at Ga-Chuene Clinic has also reignited debate about the practice of awarding security contracts based solely on the lowest bidder principle. TAPSOSA has long criticized this approach, arguing that it often leads to compromised service quality, which in turn puts the safety of employees and the public at risk. “Security exposure, due to inadequate manpower or technology, becomes a significant concern, particularly in high-risk environments such as healthcare facilities,” Changuion noted.
The association has called for a more professional approach to private security, advocating for companies to meet high standards and be subject to regular vetting and screening processes. By ensuring that only reputable companies are entrusted with such important duties, TAPSOSA believes that the risks to both employees and clients can be reduced.
The suspect arrested in connection with the attack is also believed to be linked to several other robberies and sexual assaults in the Lebowakgomo area. His case has been adjourned until April, and the investigation is ongoing. For TAPSOSA and other concerned organizations, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of security measures and the need for a collective effort to safeguard the well-being of those who serve on the front lines, particularly in vulnerable settings like healthcare facilities.
