The recent abduction and rape of two nurses on duty at the Ga-Chuene clinic outside Lebowakgomo has cast a shadow over the Department of Health’s commitment to providing 24-hour clinic services across Limpopo. While the province is home to over 500 clinics, only 200 can operate around the clock due to persistent safety concerns.
The incident two weeks ago has reignited fears of staff safety in healthcare settings, especially during the vulnerable night shifts. Eight years prior, the Vyeboom clinic near Vuwani was also a site of violence, forcing the cessation of its 24-hour services. Such events have raised critical questions regarding the security protocols at clinics intended to provide constant medical care.
In response to this distressing trend, Ntata Sekgota, Provincial Secretary of the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), has called for immediate strengthening of security measures at clinics. He insisted that security personnel should be armed and that surveillance cameras must be installed to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. “We need to ensure that we have security who are having guns, not just security who are just there in numbers, but are equal to the task,” Sekgota stated.
Moreover, Sekgota proposed a collaborative approach, urging health officials to consult with universities and security experts to explore effective measures that can be implemented for enhancing safety in these crucial facilities. “The push for better security is not only a matter of protecting healthcare workers but also essential for the continuity of available medical services for patients in need.”