Polokwane – A 54-year-old Cuban medical doctor, Yamilet Castaneda, has appeared before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of theft of medication from Thabazimbi Hospital.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect appeared in court on Thursday, 23 October 2025.
She was released on warning, and the case was postponed to Tuesday, 28 November 2025, for further investigation.
Colonel Ledwaba said on 2 September 2025, at about 06:45, Dr. Castaneda was searched by a security officer at the hospital’s main gate, when she was allegedly found with unauthorised medication in her bag.
“The suspect was taken back to her office, where additional medication was discovered during a further search,” the police spokesperson said.
Dr. Castaneda travelled to Cuba, but the matter was reported to the police.
Upon her return to South Africa on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, Dr. Castaneda was arrested and brought before a court.
Colonel Ledwaba said police investigations were continuing.
