A 26-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of two newborn babies from Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Sinovuyo Rabula appeared before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 22, 2025, facing two counts of kidnapping.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Rabula allegedly faked abdominal pain to gain entry to the hospital’s maternity ward on Tuesday, May 21. Once inside, she reportedly posed as a new mother and abducted the infants without authorization.
Fortunately, both babies were located unharmed and safely recovered the following day. Rabula was subsequently arrested and remains in custody. She is scheduled to appear in court again on May 30 for a formal bail application.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed the charges, stating: “The accused allegedly misled hospital staff to access the maternity ward, where she unlawfully removed two newborns. The swift recovery of the babies and the prompt arrest of the suspect demonstrate effective collaboration between law enforcement and healthcare personnel.”
In a related development, police confirmed the arrest of a second suspect, a 25-year-old woman, believed to be involved in the abduction.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg explained that an alert officer observed the two women with the infants as they were leaving the hospital grounds. Suspicious of their behavior, the officer stopped and questioned them.
“After further questioning and verification, it was confirmed that the babies were the same ones reported missing the previous evening,” said Van Rensburg. “The officer’s vigilance and quick response were vital in resolving the case swiftly.”
