Limpopo police have launched an investigation into a shocking case of murder and attempted murder that occurred inside a psychiatric ward at the Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Sekhukhune District.
The incident happened on Saturday, 8 March at approximately 2:00.
SUSPECT WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT PATIENT AT PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL UNDER POLICE GUARD
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Limpopo Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said police officers, who were on patrol at the time, swiftly responded to a report of an assault at the hospital.
Mashaba said upon arrival, police discovered a gruesome crime scene inside a locked room whereby a male suspect was found on top of a lifeless male body, covered in blood, and allegedly biting the deceased’s genitals.
The 33-year-old deceased patient sustained a gunshot wound on the head, along with multiple injuries, including missing teeth. On the other hand, the 45-year-old suspect 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 received medical treatment at a local hospital. Additionally, a security guard sustained a gunshot wound on the thigh, reportedly caused by a ricochet bullet fired by his colleague during the incident.
“Several spent cartridges were recovered at the scene. The suspect has been formally arrested for murder,” Mashaba said.
POLICE COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS INCIDENT
Meanwhile, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the incident.
Hadebe said the incident at Philadelphia Hospital was deeply disturbing and gruesome and 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,” she said.
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