Libode TCC (Thuthuzela Care Centre)

About the Libode Thuthuzela Care Centre

The Libode Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) is a government-operated, 24-hour one-stop facility for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. It is located at St Barnabas Hospital, Nyandeni Region, R61 road toward Port St Johns, Libode (10 km past Libode town), Eastern Cape (postal code 5160), in the OR Tambo District Municipality.

It is operated by the NPA's Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health and other government departments.

Geographical Context

Libode and the Nyandeni Region form part of the OR Tambo District — one of the most rural and densely populated districts in the Eastern Cape, with extremely high rates of sexual violence. St Barnabas Hospital serves a vast catchment area of rural communities in the Nyandeni, Ingquza Hill, and surrounding municipalities. The Libode TCC provides critical services in a region where survivor access to justice is severely constrained by geography and limited transport.

Services Offered — What Happens When You Arrive

The TCC model provides psychosocial, medical, and legal services under one roof with a victim-centred approach based on respect, comfort, restoring dignity, and ensuring justice for all vulnerable groups including girls, boys, women, and men.

At the Libode TCC, survivors receive:

1. Immediate welcome and crisis support from a TCC Coordinator or Victim Assistant Officer upon arrival
2. Medical examination with consent; a nurse present throughout; clothing may be taken as forensic evidence
3. Bath or shower facilities available after examination
4. Police statement taken at the TCC — you may open a case now or at a later stage
5. Counselling by a social worker or nurse
6. HIV PEP, STI treatment, emergency contraception prescribed; follow-up appointment arranged
7. Long-term counselling referral before discharge
8. Transportation or safe accommodation arranged if needed
9. Specialist TCC State Advocate — dedicated prosecutor who guides your investigation and case from reporting to prosecution
10. Court preparation support if the matter proceeds to trial
11. Ongoing case updates via the Victim Assistant Officer

Child-Friendly Services

TCCs are equipped with child-friendly furniture, two-way mirrors, closed-circuit TV, and specialised educational materials to support child victims in telling their story and giving testimony safely.

How to Access the Centre

• Travel directly to St Barnabas Hospital, on the R61 toward Port St Johns, approximately 10 km from Libode town
• Report to any police station in OR Tambo District and ask to be transported to the Libode TCC
• Emergency services can provide transport
• All services are free of charge

Who They Serve

Any person (woman, man, girl, or boy) in the OR Tambo District who has been raped or sexually assaulted — including survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other GBV from communities across the Nyandeni, Ingquza Hill, Port St Johns, and surrounding areas. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Operated By

NPA SOCA Unit, in partnership with: - Eastern Cape Department of Health (St Barnabas Hospital) - SAPS OR Tambo - Department of Social Development - Department of Justice

NPA Eastern Cape Cluster Manager Contacts

Adv. Maggie Tserere — 046 602 3064 Adv. Buyisiwe Nkala — 046 602 3031 Adv. Samkelisiwe Hlongwane — 047 501 2689