EPWP workers in Orange Farm investigated for alleged sale of stolen abortion tablets

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

Three female Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were arrested following a sting operation at the Stretford Community Health Centre in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, for the alleged theft and illegal sale of Cytotec abortion tablets. The incident, which occurred on 24 August, involved the theft of two boxes and 24 loose tablets from a secured cupboard, leading to the apprehension of suspects after a whistle-blower alert and assistance from a client. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) condemned the actions, noting that the suspects targeted vulnerable patients seeking Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) services.

Consequences

The three suspects are detained at the Orange Farm Police Station and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday. The GDoH has cautioned the public against purchasing medication from unauthorized individuals, warning that such illegal activities expose patients to life-threatening medical complications including severe hemorrhage, infection, and potential death.

Sources

Know where. Know why.