26-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Kidnapping Two Newborns from Dora Nginza Hospital in South Africa

In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident that has left many South Africans in disbelief, a 26-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping two newborn babies from Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

The suspect, identified as Sinovuyo Rabula, was apprehended by the South African Police Service (SAPS) after she allegedly gained unauthorized access to the hospital's maternity ward under false pretenses. She reportedly posed as a patient experiencing abdominal pain to infiltrate the ward and then posed as a new mother to kidnap the infants.

Arrest and Court Appearance

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sinovuyo Rabula was formally charged with two counts of kidnapping and made her first court appearance on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court.

“The accused allegedly misled hospital staff to gain entry into the maternity section, where she unlawfully removed two newborns. The swift recovery of the infants and the arrest of the suspect reflect the effective cooperation between law enforcement and health officials,”
— said Luxolo Tyali, NPA spokesperson.

The babies were found unharmed and safely recovered the very next day thanks to the vigilance of a local police officer whose quick response played a vital role in resolving the case.

Rabula is currently in custody and is expected to return to court on May 30, 2025, for a formal bail hearing. The outcome of that hearing will determine whether she remains in custody until her trial begins.

How the Kidnapping Happened

Details surrounding the kidnapping have raised serious concerns about hospital security and patient verification procedures. According to preliminary reports by the NPA and SAPS, Sinovuyo Rabula arrived at Dora Nginza Hospital on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, claiming to be suffering from abdominal pain.

Using this false claim, she allegedly tricked hospital staff into allowing her access to the maternity unit, an area typically restricted to expectant mothers and authorized personnel.

Once inside, Rabula is said to have disguised herself as a new mother, blending in with other patients. She then allegedly took advantage of a moment of distraction to illegally remove two newborn babies from their mothers without alerting hospital staff.

Swift Police Action Saves the Day

The successful recovery of the kidnapped babies can largely be credited to the vigilance of a police officer who was on duty near the hospital grounds. According to Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service, the officer became suspicious when he observed Rabula and another woman walking near the hospital while carrying infants.

“After further questioning and verification, the officer was able to confirm that the babies were indeed the two who had been reported missing the previous night,”
— said Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.

“Their quick thinking and immediate action were critical in bringing this case to a swift resolution.”

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a second woman, aged 25, was also involved in the crime. This unnamed accomplice has also been taken into custody and may face charges pending further investigation. Police are currently trying to determine whether the second suspect played an active role in the abduction or was unknowingly aiding the prime suspect.

Public Reaction and Concerns About Hospital Security

The incident has sparked widespread concern across Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape as a whole. Many parents and community members have taken to social media to express shock and anger over what they perceive as serious lapses in hospital security.

“How is it possible that someone can just walk into a hospital and take babies without anyone noticing? There must be accountability,” wrote one concerned mother on Facebook.

Security experts and healthcare professionals have also weighed in, calling for immediate improvements in hospital security protocols. Some have suggested installing surveillance cameras in all maternity wards, enforcing stricter ID verification for visitors, and limiting access to certain hospital zones.

The Legal and Psychological Implications

As the legal case unfolds, questions are being asked about the motives behind the kidnapping. Was this a case of emotional distress, mental illness, or a planned act of trafficking?

Legal analysts say the charges of kidnapping are serious and, if convicted, Rabula could face a lengthy prison sentence under South African law. The prosecution is expected to argue that the premeditated nature of the crime — from faking illness to impersonating a mother — shows clear intent and planning.

At the same time, psychologists are urging the public not to jump to conclusions until a full mental health evaluation has been conducted. It is not uncommon in such cases for suspects to be suffering from underlying psychological conditions such as pseudocyesis (false pregnancy) or severe trauma related to childbearing.

A Wake-Up Call for Hospitals in South Africa

The attempted kidnapping at Dora Nginza Hospital is not the first of its kind in South Africa, but it serves as a stark reminder that more must be done to protect newborns in healthcare settings.

Healthcare officials in the Eastern Cape have promised a full review of hospital safety policies and are working closely with law enforcement to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Conclusion

The arrest of Sinovuyo Rabula for the kidnapping of two newborns from Dora Nginza Hospital has highlighted both the vulnerability of hospital systems and the importance of quick, coordinated action by law enforcement.

Thanks to the alertness of a single police officer and the collaborative efforts of hospital staff and the SAPS, the babies were found safe and returned to their families. However, the incident has left many wondering how such a breach could happen in the first place — and what must be done to ensure it never happens again.

As the case heads back to court on May 30, the country watches closely, demanding justice not just for the two innocent newborns, but for all families who trust the healthcare system to safeguard their most precious loved ones.