Gauteng Health raises alarm after babies abducted from Johannesburg clinics

The Gauteng Department of Health expressed serious concern after two babies were recently abducted from public health clinics in Johannesburg. In both cases, strangers posing as helpful bystanders tricked unsuspecting mothers into handing over their infants.

Babies taken during clinic visits

An unknown woman abducted a three-day-old baby from Winnie Mandela Clinic in Tembisa after the mother stepped away for a postnatal check-up. The mother had accepted the woman’s offer to help, but the woman disappeared with the infant before she returned.

Just days earlier, on 12 May, someone stole another baby from Alexandra Clinic in a nearly identical incident.

“We therefore urge all parents and guardians to never leave their children unattended; do not entrust your baby to a stranger, no matter how friendly or helpful they may seem,” said Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Infants recovered safely

Authorities confirmed that they safely recovered both babies through coordinated efforts between clinic staff and law enforcement, supported by strong security systems.

Police have already arrested a suspect in connection with the Alexandra Clinic abduction. Investigators are still working to determine whether the two incidents are connected or occurred independently.

Call for increased vigilance

Given these alarming events, Gauteng Health has called on parents and caregivers to remain alert and cautious during clinic visits. The department emphasised the importance of not allowing unfamiliar individuals access to newborns under any circumstances.

While the department welcomed the safe recovery of both infants, it stressed that prevention is paramount in protecting vulnerable patients.