Key Points:
- Police safely rescued two abducted infants from a hospital.
- Officers arrested two women who now face kidnapping charges.
- The FCS Unit and SAPS acted quickly and effectively.
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Police safely recovered two infants abducted from a hospital in the Eastern Cape. Officers also arrested two women in connection with the hospital infant kidnapping case.
The suspects, ages 25 and 26, will appear later this week in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court.
Alert Officer Prevents Escape
On Tuesday, an alert officer from the South African Police Service spotted two women carrying infants as he exited the hospital. He found their behavior suspicious and immediately approached them for questioning.
As the officer asked further questions and verified details, he confirmed the babies were the same ones reported missing the previous night.
“The officer’s quick thinking and immediate action played a crucial role in solving this case swiftly,” said Capt. Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.
FCS Unit Leads Investigation
Soon after, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) took control of the investigation. The unit formally arrested the suspects.
Brig. Loyiso Ngalo, acting Nelson Mandela Bay district commissioner, praised the police team for their dedication.
“We feel grateful that officers found the infants unharmed,” Ngalo said. “They can now reunite with their mothers. The officers worked tirelessly from the moment the kidnapping was reported.”
Police Stress Vigilance and Community Awareness
Capt. Janse Van Rensburg emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive policing.
“This case shows how dedicated our officers are,” she said. “It also highlights how crucial community alertness is when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable in society.”
Currently, police have not released the names of the suspects or the infants due to legal and safety reasons. Moreover, the hospital infant kidnapping case remains under investigation.
