On-duty staff nurses attacked and robbed at Mogoto Clinic

MOGOTO

The Limpopo MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego, has strongly condemned the criminal incident that occurred at the Mogoto Clinic in Zebediela, on Tuesday night 26 August 2025.

According to the department, the incident occurred at approximately 01h00, when five armed intruders broke into the clinic, threatening the security officer with a firearm and demanding cellphones from the nurses on duty.

The attackers, who gained access to the clinic by breaking a palisade fence, stole four cellphones from the nurses and one firearm from the security personnel.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. The security personnel promptly contacted their security armed response patrol and the police for assistance.

MEC Mashego expressed her deep concern over the incident, stating that attacks on healthcare workers not only put lives at risk but also severely impact the ability to deliver uninterrupted care to the community.

“Attacks on healthcare workers are unacceptable and underscore the critical need for safety and security within our healthcare facilities, which are dedicated to providing essential services around the clock,” said Mashego.

The MEC reiterated her call to the community to remain vigilant and support healthcare workers during these challenging times.

“We need the community’s support to ensure the safety and security of our healthcare workers, who are dedicated to providing essential services to the community,” said MEC Mashego.

She said the Limpopo Department of Health is working closely with the police to investigate the incident and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Armed robberies have become a recurring threat to healthcare facilities in Limpopo, with several incidents reported in recent years.

In January 2024, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers were ambushed and robbed by armed suspects, while responding to an emergency call at Kgobokwane Village in Dennilton. The suspects stole valuables, including cellphones, jewellery, and cash, and forced one crew member to transfer money using her banking app.

In another incident, occurred in June 2022, armed assailants broke into the Sambandou Clinic in the Vhembe District, overpowering security guards and stealing cellphones, money, and a Toyota Fortuner. The police have established a high-level team of investigators to probe the incident.

The attacks have left healthcare workers shaken and raised concerns about their safety.