The Makhado office of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) was closed for service on Monday, after a 29-year-old mentally ill man had stabbed an official with a knife.

According to eyewitnesses, a man arrived outside the office and started shouting that he wanted his money. Onlookers were shocked when he suddenly produced a knife and stabbed a female official in the shoulder.

Limpopo SASSA’s spokesperson, Mr Norman Kutama, denied the rumour that the official was attacked inside the office. “The official was managing the queue outside the office for smooth service, when a man stabbed her once in the shoulder,” Kutama said.

According to Kutama, the victim was rushed to the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital for immediate medical attention and was discharged on the same day. All staff received professional counselling following the incident. “The counselling is meant to help them re-adjust to the working environment,” he stated. “We also thank the police, who responded to the incident quickly.”

Kutama advised the guardians of the mentally ill to always try to accompany them whenever they visit the office. “Some mentally ill clients might be impatient and could also take time to understand when we explain about the processes for grant applications or re-applications,” he said.

After the man had stabbed the official, the office closed its doors for the whole day.

Clients, some of whom had travelled all the way from Nthabalala and Nzhelele, returned without having been helped. “I don’t think I will be able to come here tomorrow; I had used my last money for today’s transport,” said Ms Ndivho Mudau, a mother of six children.

The police’s provincial spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, confirmed that the suspect was arrested and charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

“The victim didn’t sustain any grave injuries,” Otto said. “The suspect is a regular, mentally ill patient and the lady is the one who regularly assists him. He will appear in court either today (Tuesday) or on Wednesday.”

When Limpopo Mirror visited the SASSA office on Tuesday, two security officers were seen among a throng of clients. “People should feel safe and free to visit the office,” said Kutama.