Mapaballo Borotho
The Gauteng Department of Health has raised concerns about the abduction of two infant babies from different health facilities in the province.
The first incident occurred last month at the Alexandra Community Health Centre, where a one-month-old infant went missing from the Paediatric Outpatient Department. The mother had stepped away, leaving the baby in the care of a stranger.
In the second incident, which took place on Monday, 23 June 2025, at the Winnie Mandela clinic in Kaalfontein, a mother had brought her three-day-old baby for a postnatal check-up.
She left her baby on a changing table in the bathroom, where an unknown woman offered to assist. When the mother returned, her baby and the unknown woman were gone.
Fortunately, in both instances, the alleged kidnappers were caught on the health facilities’ CCTV cameras.
Health spokesperson in Gauteng, Motalatale Modiba said, “We are seeing a trend where parents place their trust in strangers, often during vulnerable moments within health facilities.”
Modiba emphasised the importance of vigilance and personal responsibility when it comes to the safety of children.
“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.
“It is essential to always inform the staff if you need assistance or must temporarily step away from your child.”
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