Two premature babies have been stolen from Dora Nginza hospital in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on Tuesday evening.
According to the Department of Health in the province, police and health authorities are in search of the stolen babies. The search is focused on two women who are believed to have committed the crime.
Two unknown women
Sunday World understands that there women made their way to the labour ward carrying a bag.
“A security guard stationed in the maternity building tried to stop these women when they attempted to access the ward carrying a bag. The ladies were assumed to be breastfeeding,” said Sizwe Kupelo, Eastern Cape health spokesperson.
One of the ladies managed to evade the security guard and gain access into the nursery carrying the same bag.
“Management and security personnel studied CCTV footage, and one of the ladies is seen using a different exit door. The matter has now been referred to the police for criminal investigations,” said Kupelo.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, has vehemently condemned this breach of security protocols. She has instructed the management to launch an internal investigation into circumstances surrounding the whole incident.
Internal investigation
Capa further urged the community of Gqeberha to assist in the search of these two babies.
“Criminal activities targeting health facilities have been on the rise in the Gqeberha area. And this is a grave concern for the department,” said Capa.
“We are providing essential services to our communities. And hospitals should not be targets by criminal elements. An appeal is being made to all community structures to work with the department and law enforcement agencies to put a stop to these incidents.”
Capa said, the department is spending millions of rands annually in private security. This is to ensure availability of warm body security guards in its facilities. And it’s due to this increase in criminal activities. Gqeberha security has been increased to include latest security technologies.
No suspect has been arrested, and police said an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
