Limpopo – Police in Limpopo are investigating a horrific case of murder and attempted murder that took place in the early hours of Saturday inside the psychiatric ward of Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Sekhukhune District.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, officers on patrol responded to a report of an assault at the hospital at approximately 02:00. Upon arrival, they encountered a gruesome scene inside a locked room.
The victim, a 33-year-old male, had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and multiple other injuries, including missing teeth.
“A male suspect was found on top of a lifeless male body, covered in blood, and allegedly biting the deceased’s genitals. The deceased (33) sustained a gunshot wound on the head, along with multiple injuries, including missing teeth.
#sapsLIM The police in Limpopo are investigating a shocking case of murder and attempted murder that occurredon 08/03 inside the psychiatric ward of Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Sekhukhune District. Police discovered a male suspect on top of a lifeless male body. The… pic.twitter.com/Wt95GjcIH5
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 9, 2025
“The suspect (45) also suffered gunshot wounds on both legs, allegedly inflicted by a security officer who was attempting to diffuse the situation. He was immediately placed under police guard and receiving medical treatment at a local hospital,” Mashaba said.
A second security officer was also wounded in the thigh by a ricochet bullet fired by his colleague during the chaotic incident. Several spent cartridges were recovered at the scene.
The suspect has been formally arrested for murder and remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the brutal attack.
“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,” Hadabe said.
Police investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
Meanwhile, according to SABC News, following the incident, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has called for the immediate suspension of the security company at the hospital.
He criticised the armed security officers for failing to contain the situation and said he would engage with the Deputy Minister, SAPS, PSIRA, and the mental health review board to assess the issue.
“That security company must be suspended from this hospital with immediate effect, because what else are they capable of? They must immediately suspend them – with immediate effect.
Minister #Motsoaledi says action must be taken against the security company at the #PhiladelphiaHospital after a substance abuse patient allegedly killed a mental health patient in their ward yesterday. He says armed security guards failed to contain the man. #SABCNEWS
— rhulani baloyi (@rhulani1baloyi) March 9, 2025
“I’m in discussion with the Deputy Minister, will call on South African Police Services (SAPS) and will call PSIRA, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority and we will call the mental health review board. I have already spoken to the chairperson of the Ministerial Committee on mental health, I have been speaking to him the whole day. They need to come and assess; we need to assess the situation,” the report quoted the minister as saying.
Motsoaledi also announced a review of all private security companies at health facilities in Limpopo, following this incident and the rape of two nurses at Ga-Chuene clinic in January. He emphasised the need for stricter security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
