Three arrested after 45 boxes of paper stolen from Hillbrow clinic

Three Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were arrested in connection with the theft of 45 boxes of A4 printing paper from Johannesburg’s Hillbrow Community Health Centre, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said.

How the case unfolded

The department said the incident was reported on 7 July 2026 after a security officer discovered the missing paper. A criminal case was opened at the Hillbrow Police Station and, according to information from the South African Police Service (Saps), the three suspects were arrested on 17 July 2026 and released on bail on 20 July 2026.

Recovery and internal probes

During the police investigation the suspects reportedly undertook to return the stolen items. To date, 21 of the 45 boxes have been recovered. The GDoH said the criminal matter remains before the courts and that it has instituted internal processes and appointed an investigating officer to finalise an administrative investigation.

Department response

GDoH spokesperson Steve Mabona described the incident as demonstrating the province’s “zero‑tolerance stance on corruption and the misuse of public resources.”

“The theft of public resources intended to support healthcare service delivery is unacceptable. Every item procured by the Department is funded through public money and is intended to benefit patients,” Mabona said.

The department said it would continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and that appropriate action will be taken in line with the outcome of the investigations and applicable disciplinary frameworks.

Clinic context and contact details

Hillbrow Community Health Centre serves a densely populated area that includes migrants and vulnerable communities. The clinic’s contact details are listed as Smit & Klein Street, Hillbrow 011 694 3775/6.

What’s next

The criminal case remains before the courts while the department’s administrative investigation continues.