A 54-year-old Cuban national, Dr. Yamilet Castaneda, appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 23 October 2025, facing a charge of theft of medication from the Thabazimbi Hospital.
The case has been postponed to Tuesday, 28 November 2025, to allow for further police investigation. Dr. Castaneda was released on warning.
The alleged incident took place on the morning of 02 September 2025. According to reports, a security officer at the hospital’s main gate conducted a routine search at approximately 06:45 and discovered unauthorized medication in Dr. Castaneda’s bag.
The suspect was subsequently escorted back to her office, where a further search was conducted, leading to the discovery of additional medication.
The matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Following their investigations, Dr. Castaneda was arrested on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, upon her return to South Africa. It is reported that she had recently travelled to Cuba.
Police confirmed that their investigations into the matter are continuing.