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Three women have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft and illegal sale of termination of pregnancy medication from a community health centre in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said the suspects, all Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers, were arrested on Thursday following investigations into the theft of Cytotec tablets from the Stretford Community Health Centre.
According to the department, the medication was allegedly stolen on Monday, August 24, 2026, after suspects broke a padlock securing a medication cupboard and took two boxes of Cytotec tablets and 24 loose tablets.
The women were detained at Orange Farm Police Station and are expected to appear in court on Monday, August 31,2026.
The department welcomed the arrests, describing them as an important breakthrough.
“The Department views these arrests as a significant step in protecting patients, safeguarding public healthcare resources, and ensuring that those who seek to profit from the unlawful sale of state medication are held accountable,” the department said.
The arrests followed information provided by a whistleblower, which prompted authorities to launch a sting operation.
Health officials said one of the suspects was allegedly caught selling the stolen medication to women waiting in the clinic’s termination of pregnancy queue.
A client who had purchased the tablets reportedly assisted investigators by identifying the seller, leading to further investigations and the arrest of two additional suspects.
“The GDoH strongly condemns the theft of medication and the exploitation of vulnerable women and patients seeking healthcare services. Such criminal conduct undermines the integrity of the public healthcare system and places the health and lives of patients at risk,” the department said.
The department also warned women against purchasing termination of pregnancy medication from unauthorised individuals or facilities.
Officials said obtaining medication outside approved healthcare settings carries serious health risks and is comparable to using illegal “backyard abortion” services.
“While these illegal operators often promise quick, cheap and discreet services, they expose women to serious and potentially life-threatening complications,” the department said.
The health department warned that unsafe abortions could result in severe bleeding, infections, incomplete abortions, damage to the uterus, infertility and even death.
The department reassured residents that safe and legal termination of pregnancy services remain available at public healthcare facilities across Gauteng.
It said selected clinics and community health centres offer first-trimester services, while designated hospitals provide services up to 20 weeks of gestation in line with the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act.
“The GDoH 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,” the statement said.
Women accessing these services can also receive counselling, psychosocial support, health education and both medical and surgical termination of pregnancy care.
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