Pretoria, South Africa – Yolande Maritz, a former midwife in Pretoria, is set to face prosecution next month for alleged actions that led to multiple deaths and disabilities. The prosecution is a result of accusations that Maritz administered medication to pregnant women, potentially causing birth complications.
Communications manager Barry Bateman from AfriForum’s private prosecution unit announced that Maritz has been summoned to appear in court on July 24 on assault charges. The unit has been supporting individuals who filed criminal complaints against Maritz, urging the National Prosecuting Authority to take action.
Two women, Carien Möller and Alysia von Kloëg, lodged complaints against Maritz in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Von Kloëg’s baby passed away nine days after birth due to complications, while Möller’s daughter was born with cerebral palsy. Maritz was previously found guilty of negligent and unprofessional behavior by the South African Nursing Council before being deregistered as a midwife.
The private prosecution unit began engaging with the NPA in early 2023 after concerns were raised about the slow progress of the case and lack of communication from the NPA. The unit emphasized the importance of timely prosecution to prevent potential harm to others by allowing Maritz to continue practicing.
Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a general practitioner, highlighted the crucial role of midwives in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. She stressed the importance of midwives recognizing and managing risk factors in complicated deliveries to ensure safe outcomes for both mother and baby.
Patient education was also underscored as essential by Dr. Coetzee, as midwives may face challenges such as limited resources and access to medical facilities. Additionally, prospective parents were advised by forensic criminologist Dr. Pixie du Toit to thoroughly research and choose a qualified midwife to avoid potential harm.
Despite the lengthy process, the upcoming court hearing for Maritz was welcomed by experts in the field, emphasizing the importance of accountability in healthcare practices. The case serves as a reminder of the significance of proper training and compliance with regulations to safeguard the well-being of patients.
