Pretoria, South Africa – Local authorities have confirmed that Yolande Maritz, a former midwife in Pretoria, will be prosecuted next month following allegations of negligence that reportedly led to multiple infant deaths and disabilities. Maritz, who is no longer licensed to practice, faces serious charges related to her treatment of pregnant women under her care.
It is claimed that Maritz administered medications which are thought to have contributed to severe birth complications. The upcoming court proceedings, scheduled for July 24, have been pressed forward after persistent efforts by AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, an entity that advocates for families seeking justice in such cases.
Communications manager Barry Bateman explained that the unit has been involved with the families of Carien Möller and Alysia von Kloëg, who allegedly suffered due to Martiz’s actions. Both women filed criminal complaints; Von Kloëg’s baby tragically died nine days post-birth in what doctors attributed to complications from delivery. Möller’s daughter, on the other hand, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition often associated with complications during delivery.
In 2021, the South African Nursing Council stripped Maritz of her credentials, citing negligence and unprofessional conduct following an investigation into her practices. Maritz challenged the council’s ruling, but her appeal was unsuccessful.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been criticized for its slow response to the charges against Maritz. Bateman highlighted that AfriForum’s unit has persistently engaged with the NPA since January 2023 to accelerate the legal process, emphasizing the potential risks of delayed action. According to AfriForum, the delay increases the chances of Maritz continuing her practice, possibly endangering more patients.
The case underscores a larger concern about the essential role of midwives in childbirth and the critical nature of their work. General practitioner Dr. Angelique Coetzee commented on the importance of midwives in the medical community, noting their paramount role in managing pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care. “Midwives are integral in ensuring safe deliveries, particularly in contexts where access to hospital care is limited. However, they must be well-trained to handle emergencies and complicated deliveries, which admittedly involve a higher degree of risk,” stated Dr. Coetzee.
Furthermore, Coetzee pointed to the need for continuous education for midwives and understanding the scope of challenges they face, including resource limitations and handling high-risk pregnancies.
Forensic criminologist Dr. Pixie du Toit suggested that pregnant women and prospective parents thoroughly vet their chosen midwives’ qualifications and registration statuses to avoid potential malpractices.
As the legal battle unfolds, it brings to light the critical questions surrounding professional accountability and the safety standards required in maternity and newborn care. The prolonged journey towards justice for the affected families paints a broader picture of the challenges within the legal and medical systems, emphasizing the need for timely and decisive action in cases of professional misconduct.