The Eastern Cape Health Department recently issued a statement that the two infants who were allegedly stolen have since been found, which was previously reported by PE Express.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, said, “The two premature babies who were stolen from Dora Nginza Hospital have since been found and are still in a healthy condition.”
He added that the matter is now in the hands of the police and that the department will not give further information.
This statement was confirmed by SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.
She added that the two suspects, both women, were arrested by the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on charges of child stealing.
“It is alleged that one of the SAPS officers was exiting the premises of the hospital when he noticed two women with infants. He immediately approached and then questioned them,” Janse Van Rensburg said.
She added, “The suspicion of the member was positive, after the infants were identified as the two stolen babies. The two suspects, aged 25 and 26, will appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court during the week.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk, present at the hospital alongside the CEO of Dora Nginza Hospital, Doctor Zuko Nxiweni and the two mothers, shared that the two infants have been fed and are in good health.
“I have seen the babies myself and I can report that the babies are indeed doing well,” said Van Niekerk.
The Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the dedicated SAPS team who worked tirelessly since the kidnapping was reported. “We are grateful that they were found, and that they can be reunited with the mothers,” said Ngalo.
