The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Limpopo Province is dismayed and horrified by the attack on Ga-Chuene clinic where security was overpowered, and two nurses were kidnapped and raped on the night of 9 January.

The Federation condemns in the strongest possible terms this horrific and wicked criminal act. This doesn't lend itself to proper service delivery as workers are bound to work under constant fear of the ever-present prospect of being attacked while on duty. COSATU empathises with the victims of this despicable attack and calls for the Department of Health to ensure that they receive all the possible professional assistance.

The Federation calls on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to book, to account for their reprehensible behaviour. COSATU also calls on the Limpopo Provincial Government to conduct a review of its security arrangements in all government institutions in the province. We reiterate our call for the insourcing of all security officials in all government departments and institutions.

COSATU further urges the Department of Health in Limpopo to engage our Affiliates in the health sector, DENOSA, NEHAWU and SAEPU on matters related to shifts and other working conditions to prevent unilateral changes in the terms and conditions of workers as has been happening. We look forward to positive engagements to ensure that workers are safe, and the community is content with the service it is receiving.

Issued by COSATU LIMPOPO

Hangwani Mashao

Provincial Secretary

Mobile: 067 413 0165