Yolande Maritz, a former midwife from Pretoria, is set to appear in court this month, for causing the deaths of multiple infants and leaving others disabled.
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Maritz, who has been deregistered, faces prosecution for allegedly administering medication to pregnant women that reportedly led to severe birth complications.
The Private Prosecution Unit (PPU) of AfriForum has been advocating for action from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in this case.
Two mothers, Carien Möller and Alysia von Kloëg, have been at the forefront of seeking justice for their children allegedly affected by Maritz’s actions. Möller’s daughter was left with cerebral palsy, and von Kloëg’s son died nine days after birth due to complications allegedly caused by Maritz.
In 2021, Maritz was found guilty of negligence and unprofessional behaviour by the SA Nursing Council, resulting in her deregistration as a midwife; her appeal was later dismissed.
The PPU began engaging with the NPA in January of last year, concerned about the slow progress and lack of communication regarding the case.
Allegations suggest that Maritz’s actions resulted in the deaths of five babies and severe disabilities in others over a span of four years.
Möller and von Kloëg separately filed criminal complaints in 2020 and 2022, accusing Maritz of negligence amounting to culpable homicide and attempted murder.
Möller alleges that Maritz administered an excessive dose of medication, leading to severe contractions and shock during childbirth.
Von Kloëg claims Maritz ignored concerns raised during a 24-week sonar scan and administered what appeared to be sedatives, resulting in premature labour and her son’s death shortly after birth.
The tragic events surrounding Maritz were first brought to light in 2020 by Carte Blanche. Despite initial exposure, it has taken several years for Maritz to face the accusations against her in court.
Maritz is scheduled to appear in court on 25 July to answer assault charges related to these allegations.
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Picture: Alex Pasarelu / Unsplash
