The case against six suspects linked to the alleged
illegal adoption of children and cases of fraud in Botshabelo was remanded to 2
May during their appearance in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The suspects were granted bail of R1 000 each. They are:
Motsidisi Setlai (51), Mpolai Mabele (35), Matsidiso Molete (59), Thokozile
Maphisa (29), Lehlohonolo Aby Motlaloe (45) and Khotso Teroso David Mefane
(57).
They first appeared on 20 March, facing charges of illegal adoption and fraud.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein apprehended them during the weekend of 17 and 18 March, following a probing into the matter. According to the elite crime fighting wing, they were allegedly working with a health department official to facilitate illegal adoption.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks, said the suspects were arrested after they allegedly tried to adopt two children in Botshabelo.
She said this was uncovered after an official at the Botshabelo Home Affairs offices alerted the police upon becoming suspicious while assisting two of the suspects with the late registration of two children, aged five and 15 years.
Matoti said the two women, a Lesotho national and a South African, allegedly went to Botshabelo Home Affairs for late registration applications for two children, so they could register the children for a South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) child support grant.
“Preliminary investigations conducted discovered that there is an official from the department of health who allegedly recruits foreign nationals to illegally adopt children.
“The recruited woman would identify children and negotiate with their parents to give consent in exchange for a money reward, should they agree. She would take the children to a Home Affairs official who will register them. The children would later be registered for Sassa grants and the suspects would share the money,” said Matoti.
She said more arrests are imminent.
