Police in Limpopo are investigating a chilling case of murder and attempted murder that occurred early Saturday morning at the psychiatric ward of Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Sekhukhune District.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, officers responded to a report of an assault at approximately 02:00. Upon arrival, they discovered a gruesome scene inside a locked room.
A 33-year-old male victim was found with a gunshot wound to the head and multiple injuries, including missing teeth. In a shocking twist, the suspect, a 45-year-old male, was found on top of the victim’s lifeless body, covered in blood, allegedly biting the deceased’s genitals.
#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
Mashaba reported that the suspect had sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, allegedly inflicted by a security officer who tried to intervene in the violent altercation. The suspect was placed under police guard and is receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
A second security officer was also injured by a ricochet bullet fired by his colleague during the chaotic scene. Several spent cartridges were recovered at the location.
The suspect has been arrested for murder and remains under police supervision while receiving treatment.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed deep concern over the horrific incident. “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,” said Hadebe.
In response to the tragedy, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has called for the immediate suspension of the security company responsible for the incident. He criticized the armed security officers for failing to prevent the attack and announced plans to engage with various authorities to assess the situation.
Motsoaledi also emphasized that a review of all private security companies at health facilities in Limpopo would be conducted in the wake of this incident, alongside the recent rape of two nurses at Ga-Chuene clinic in January. The minister stressed the importance of stronger security measures to prevent future tragedies.
Investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected as the case develops.
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