Johannesburg – Three suspects have been arrested just days after “abortion pills” were stolen from Stretford Community Health Centre (CHC) in Orange Farm, Johannesburg.
The arrests follow an incident on 24 August 2026 in which Cytotec tablets used as part of legal Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) services were stolen from the facility.
Two boxes of Cytotec tablets and 24 loose tablets were stolen after a padlock securing a medication cupboard was broken.
Commenting on the matter on Friday, 28 August 2926, the Gauteng Department of Health said it “welcomes the swift arrest of three suspects” linked to the theft and illegal sale of CTOP medication.
The department said it views the arrests as a significant step in protecting patients, safeguarding public healthcare resources, and holding to account those who seek to profit from the unlawful sale of state medication.
Narrating events leading to the arrests, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said: “Following information received from a whistleblower, a sting operation was conducted, which led to the apprehension of one of the suspects, who allegedly sold the stolen medication to clients waiting in the CTOP queue at the facility”.
Mabona said a client who had purchased the tablets assisted investigators by identifying the individual who sold the medication.
He said further investigations led to the implication of additional accomplices.
“All three suspects, who are female Expanded Public Works Programme workers, were arrested on Thursday, 27 August 2026, and detained at Orange Farm Police Station,” Mabona said.
“They remain in custody and are expected to appear in court on Monday, 31 August 2026.
“The GDoH strongly condemns the theft of medication and the exploitation of vulnerable women and patients seeking healthcare services.”
Mabona stated that such criminal conduct undermines the integrity of the public healthcare system and places the health and lives of patients at risk.
In addition, the department cautioned the public against purchasing termination of pregnancy medication from individuals or through any process that does not involve professional medical practitioners in healthcare facilities where the necessary steps for a legal termination of pregnancy are followed.
“This is similar to accessing termination of pregnancy services from backyard abortion clinics or from individuals who are not authorised and designated to provide such services,” said Mabona.
“While these illegal operators often promise quick, cheap and discreet services, they expose women to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
“Unsafe and illegal abortions carry significant health risks, including incomplete abortion, where pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus.”
The department warned that other complications include severe haemorrhage or excessive bleeding, infections, uterine perforation caused by the insertion of sharp objects, and damage to the uterus.
“These complications can result in long-term health problems, infertility and, in some cases, death,” the department warned in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
The department said it also wishes to reassure communities that safe, confidential and legal termination of pregnancy services are available at public healthcare facilities and are provided by appropriately trained and skilled healthcare professionals.
Selected clinics and community health centres provide termination of pregnancy services during the first trimester of pregnancy, while selected hospitals provide services up to 20 weeks of gestation in accordance with the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and applicable clinical guidelines.
“Women seeking termination of pregnancy services can access comprehensive support, including pre- and post-termination counselling, medical and surgical termination of pregnancy services, psychosocial support, and health education,” the statement said.
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