Central SA
Suspects in court for illegal adoption of children─── 12:03 Tue, 28 Mar 2023
Bloemfontein government officials and two parents are among six suspects to appear in court on 2 May 2023 for the alleged illegal adoption of children.
This comes after their appearance before the Botshabelo Magistrate's Court on Monday. Two suspects, Khotso Teroso David Mefane (57), a Home Affairs official, and Lehlohonolo Aby Motlaloe (45), from the Department of Health, were apprehended on Friday by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team.
The other four suspects also include two parents aged 29 and 59, Motsidisi Setlai (51), and Mpolai Mabele (35). The arrests come after a preliminary investigation was conducted into an incident on 17 March 2023 when two females, a Lesotho national and a South African, allegedly went to Botshabelo Home Affairs for late registration applications for two children, aged five and 15. Home Affairs officials became suspicious and notified the police.
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Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti said further investigations revealed that the Department of Health official allegedly recruited foreign nationals to illegally adopt children.
She said the women would identify children and negotiate with the parents to give consent in exchange for money.
“The children would later be registered for Sassa grants, and the suspects would share the money.”
Each suspect has been granted R1000 bail. Meanwhile, investigations continue.
