Newborns abducted from Gqeberha hospital, police launch search

Eastern Cape police and the provincial health department are searching for two women suspected of abducting two newborn babies from Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha on Monday night.

Provincial health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo has confirmed that the women gained access to the hospital’s maternity section under suspicious circumstances. A security guard attempted to stop the women as they entered the ward carrying a bag, but one of them managed to evade the guard and enter the nursery.

“It is alleged that one of the women managed to evade the security guard and managed to enter the nursery. Upon studying the CCTV camera, the woman is seen carrying the same bag and using a different exit. We are calling on communities to assist the department and police in searching for these babies,” says Kupelo.

CCTV footage has been handed over to police for investigation.

Kupelo also confirms that the Health MEC has instructed the department to conduct an internal investigation into the circumstances that led to the security breach.