Gauteng MEC for Health and Social development, Qedani Mahlangu, has welcomed the recovery of baby Thato Lekena by the South African Police Service last night. Baby Thato, who was six days at the time, went missing from the Dr Yusuf Dadoo neonatal ward last week after being breast fed by his mom.
The recovery follows an intense investigation by the police which led to the arrest of a 35 year old woman from Northcliff, Johannesburg last night. The woman will appear in the magistrate court today.
MEC Mahlangu said she was relieved that the baby was found unharmed and in good health. She has however condemned the incident and called on the police to ensure that those involved are brought to book.
“We cannot allow such incidences to happen in our facilities. Hospitals should be places where people feel safe and secured. We call on the police to ensure that this incident is thoroughly investigated and those found guilty should face the full might of the law as their actions can only serve to tarnish the dignity of our health professionals,” she said.
The MEC also emphasised that while there are problems in the health sector, many health workers were dedicated to deliver quality health care. She said the department’s has initiated a process to tighten security for patients and staff in all its facilities starting with Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital.
For enquiries contact:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Patricia Mokoena
Tel: 011 355 3162
Cell: 082 924 8800
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
14 September 2009
