Police have deployed officers to clinics and hospitals across Limpopo following threats linked to changes in security contracts. The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it received information about possible instability at several government health facilities after the Limpopo Department of Health appointed a new security service provider.

In a statement issued in Polokwane on Saturday, 28 February, police warned that any disruption of healthcare services, intimidation of staff or patients, or damage to property would be treated as a criminal offence. Officers have been stationed at identified facilities to maintain public order and ensure that services continue without interruption.

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said clinics and hospitals provide essential and life-saving services.

“The SAPS will not allow any individual or group to disrupt these services or threaten the safety of workers and patients. Anyone involved in unlawful conduct, intimidation or violence will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.

Police said while people have a constitutional right to protest, this must be done lawfully and peacefully. Acts such as trespassing, intimidation and malicious damage to property would be met with “the full might of the law”.

Meanwhile, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Limpopo has raised concern over another domestic-related killing involving police officers.

The union said it was shocked by a murder-suicide on 24 February at Tshilungoma 1 village, also known as Ha Thukhutha, under the Thohoyandou policing area in Vhembe district.

According to POPCRU, officers responding to a domestic violence complaint shortly after 1pm found the body of 45-year-old Warrant Officer Mathieledzha Tshilidzi with multiple stab wounds. Knives were found next to her body.

Her husband, 55-year-old Warrant Officer Nemulodi SS, who was attached to the Local Criminal Record Centre in Thohoyandou, was found hanging from a roof rafter inside the house.

Preliminary information suggests the couple had been experiencing domestic problems.

POPCRU extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased but said it was deeply concerned about the continued trend of domestic-related killings involving SAPS members.

The union questioned whether the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Programme is being effectively implemented at station and district level.

It said police officers work under intense pressure and are regularly exposed to trauma, violence and long hours. POPCRU called for an urgent review of the wellness programme, better early detection of members under strain, and improved access to confidential counselling.

“The safety of our communities begins with the wellness and stability of those entrusted to protect them,” the union said.

Police have deployed officers to clinics and hospitals across Limpopo following threats linked to changes in security contracts. The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it received information about possible instability at several government health facilities after the Limpopo Department of Health appointed a new security service provider.

In a statement issued in Polokwane on Saturday, 28 February, police warned that any disruption of healthcare services, intimidation of staff or patients, or damage to property would be treated as a criminal offence. Officers have been stationed at identified facilities to maintain public order and ensure that services continue without interruption.

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said clinics and hospitals provide essential and life-saving services.

“The SAPS will not allow any individual or group to disrupt these services or threaten the safety of workers and patients. Anyone involved in unlawful conduct, intimidation or violence will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.

Police said while people have a constitutional right to protest, this must be done lawfully and peacefully. Acts such as trespassing, intimidation and malicious damage to property would be met with “the full might of the law”.

Meanwhile, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Limpopo has raised concern over another domestic-related killing involving police officers.

The union said it was shocked by a murder-suicide on 24 February at Tshilungoma 1 village, also known as Ha Thukhutha, under the Thohoyandou policing area in Vhembe district.

According to POPCRU, officers responding to a domestic violence complaint shortly after 1pm found the body of 45-year-old Warrant Officer Mathieledzha Tshilidzi with multiple stab wounds. Knives were found next to her body.

Her husband, 55-year-old Warrant Officer Nemulodi SS, who was attached to the Local Criminal Record Centre in Thohoyandou, was found hanging from a roof rafter inside the house.

Preliminary information suggests the couple had been experiencing domestic problems.

POPCRU extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased but said it was deeply concerned about the continued trend of domestic-related killings involving SAPS members.

The union questioned whether the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Programme is being effectively implemented at station and district level.

It said police officers work under intense pressure and are regularly exposed to trauma, violence and long hours. POPCRU called for an urgent review of the wellness programme, better early detection of members under strain, and improved access to confidential counselling.

“The safety of our communities begins with the wellness and stability of those entrusted to protect them,” the union said.