Three arrested over alleged theft and illegal sale of abortion medication at Orange Farm clinic

Three women have been arrested for allegedly stealing and illegally selling termination of pregnancy medication at a community health centre in Orange Farm, Johannesburg.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said the suspects, all Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers, were arrested on Thursday following an investigation into the alleged theft of Cytotec tablets from Stretford Community Health Centre.

The medication is used as part of legal Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) services.

The department said the tablets were allegedly stolen on 24 August after a padlock securing a medication cupboard was broken.

Two boxes of Cytotec tablets and 24 loose tablets were allegedly taken.

Following information provided by a whistleblower, investigators conducted a sting operation which resulted in the arrest of one suspect. She allegedly sold the stolen medication to clients waiting in the CTOP queue at the facility.

A client who had allegedly bought the tablets assisted investigators by identifying the suspected seller.

Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of two alleged accomplices.

The three suspects were detained at Orange Farm Police Station and are expected to appear in court on Monday.

GDoH spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department welcomed the arrests and condemned the alleged theft and exploitation of patients seeking healthcare services.

"The theft of medication and the illegal sale of termination of pregnancy medication undermines the integrity of our public healthcare system and places the health and lives of patients at risk," Mabona said.

The department urged women not to obtain termination of pregnancy medication from unauthorised individuals or illegal abortion providers.

It warned that unsafe abortions can result in severe bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion, uterine perforation, infertility and, in severe cases, death.

Mabona said safe, confidential and legal termination of pregnancy services were available at selected public healthcare facilities.

"Women seeking termination of pregnancy services can access comprehensive support, including pre- and post-termination counselling, medical and surgical services, psychosocial support and health education," he said.