2 women arrested for theft at Mpilo Central Hospital

Two women were arrested after a daring morning raid at Mpilo Central Hospital's Paediatric Wing, where they allegedly tried to steal from a mother attending to her sick child.

The suspects, identified as Portia Moyo (32) of Makokoba and Marragod Gumede (41) of Pumula South, were caught red-handed after posing as patients and targeting unsuspecting guardians.

Witnesses said the pair wandered around before sitting next to the victim, who had placed her bag on a bench while caring for her child. Using a distraction trick, one of the suspects dropped both her own bag and the victim's bag at the same time, then slipped cash from the victim's belongings into her pocket.

Their plan quickly unraveled after another patient spotted the theft and raised the alarm. Confronted by furious parents and staff, the suspects tried to return the money but were detained until police arrived.

Mpilo spokesperson Noma Mabhena condemned the incident and urged vigilance in hospital waiting areas.
"Men and women should not trust strangers in hospital spaces. Valuables must never be left unattended. These women disguised themselves as patients, but their only agenda was theft," she said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the arrests and warned against similar crimes.
"We urge the public to desist from theft. Such conduct is criminal and offenders will face prosecution. Police remain committed to protecting lives and property," she said.

The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon on theft charges.