As I sit here my mind spinning. Here is the story as per newspaper articles I managed to find.
Caregiver in court for selling baby
A social worker appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday for allegedly selling a baby for R1 500, Duduzile Ngubane was arrested on suspicion of corruption for placing a three-month-old baby with a potential adoptive parent for financial gain.
National executive director for Child Welfare South Africa, Ashley Theron, said the organization and one of its member organizations, Durban Children’s Society, viewed the allegations against the social worker as extremely serious. “Any social worker’s abuse of their position will not be tolerated. “This alleged action on the part of the social worker has negative impact on our role as organizations established to specifically protect children,” he said. Kwa Zulu-Natal police spokesman Supt Muzi Mngomezulu confirmed the allegations that the social worker had sold the baby. “The woman was arrested on Thursday morning around 9am and detained at Durban Central,” he said. He could not provide details. Supt Mngomezulu said the investigating officer was not available to provide the information yesterday.
In a Press statement Child Welfare stated during an adoption process screening tests were conducted by designated social workers, in which procedures and requirements had to be met by potential adoptive parents. One of the requirements was that the potential adoptive parent should be financially sound, and be able to provide a stable and caring environment for the child.
By Durelle Kariem The Citizen 10/07/07
Baby sale case in court
The case against a Durban social worker accused of selling a baby for R1 500 was postponed to August 14 in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Duduzile Ngubane was arrested on suspicion of placing a baby with an adoptive parent for gain. Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said the woman who thought she had legally adopted the baby was told she could only get the legal documents after the strike.
Her neighbours were suspicious and alerted the Umlazi police, who found the social worker had sold the baby, he said.
By Durelle Kariem The Citizen 12/07/07
Woman accused of selling baby July 11 2007 at 04:23AM
A Durban social worker has appeared briefly in court in connection with allegations that she sold a baby for R1 500.
Sibongisini Duduzile Ngubane, 58, has been charged with one count of "corruption: accepting a benefit". She was granted bail of R2 000 and the case was adjourned until August 14.
It is alleged that Ngubane, a social worker with Durban Children's Society, was paid the money by a Lamontville woman, ostensibly for the adoption of the three-month-old boy.
Shelagh Hurford, executive director of the society, said disciplinary procedures had also been started and should the allegations be substantiated, the matter would be taken further.
This article was originally published on page 3 of The Mercury on July 11, 2007
