Three women have been arrested after medication used in legal termination-of-pregnancy services was allegedly stolen from Stretford Community Health Centre in Orange Farm and sold to clients waiting for care, the Gauteng Department of Health said.
How the alleged theft came to light
According to the department, the incident occurred on 24 August 2026 when two boxes of Cytotec tablets and 24 loose tablets were reportedly taken from a medication cupboard at the clinic. The padlock securing the cupboard was allegedly broken.
The probe began after a whistleblower provided information that enabled investigators to set up a sting operation. That operation led to the arrest of one suspect who was allegedly selling the stolen medication to people waiting in the termination-of-pregnancy queue.
“This information enabled investigators to conduct a sting operation, which resulted in the arrest of one of the suspects who was allegedly selling the stolen medication to clients waiting in the termination-of-pregnancy queue,”
A client who had allegedly bought the tablets assisted investigators by identifying the vendor, Gauteng Department of Health spokesman Steve Mabona said. Further enquiries identified two additional suspects. All three were arrested on 27 August 2026 and detained at Orange Farm Police Station. They are expected to appear in court on 31 August 2026.
Department response and patient safety
The department described the arrests as an important step in protecting patients and safeguarding medicines intended for public healthcare services. Mabona said the alleged theft and sale of state medication “undermines the integrity of the public healthcare system and puts the health and lives of patients at risk.”
He urged women not to purchase termination-of-pregnancy medication from unauthorised individuals or to seek services from illegal backyard providers, warning such options could lead to serious and potentially life‑threatening complications.
Who the suspects are and institutional detail
All three suspects are reported to be employees under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) at the facility. The department did not provide names in its statement; police records will show the charges once the matter proceeds to court.
| Item | Quantity | Date reported |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotec (boxes) | 2 boxes | 24 August 2026 |
| Cytotec (loose tablets) | 24 tablets | 24 August 2026 |
| Arrests | 3 women | 27 August 2026 |
Practical implications for patients and communities
The theft highlights two linked risks for patients at public clinics: diversion of essential medicines from prescribed clinical pathways, and the growth of informal markets offering medical interventions outside regulated care. The department’s appeal underscores the danger of attempting terminations outside authorised clinical settings — complications can include heavy bleeding, infection, incomplete termination and the need for emergency care.
Clinic users in Orange Farm and surrounding communities are advised to:
- Only accept medication dispensed by clinic staff during a consultation.
- Report any suspicious approaches by people offering medication for sale in or near health facilities.
- If harmed after using medication obtained outside the clinic, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility and report the incident to police.
What happens next
The suspects will appear in the magistrate’s court as scheduled. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, where police at Orange Farm will record statements and present evidence, including testimony from the whistleblower and the client who assisted investigators. The Gauteng Department of Health said it condemns the alleged actions and will continue to support the investigation.
For community members concerned about access to termination-of-pregnancy services, the department’s communication suggests using authorised public clinics and asking staff about the steps and timelines for receiving care if there are delays or shortages.
The alleged theft has raised questions about security for medication storerooms at community health centres and the oversight of EPWP staff who work at public facilities. While the department has confirmed arrests, any legal determination about guilt will be made in court.
Contact points: Patients who suspect they were sold medication unlawfully can report matters to Orange Farm Police Station or their nearest clinic manager. The Gauteng Department of Health has reiterated its call to report irregularities and to avoid illegal providers.
