Cuban Dr Yamilet Castaneda held for Thabazimbi Hospital medicine theft in Limpopo on 22 October 2025
A 54-year-old doctor from Cuba, Dr. Yamilet Castaneda, is facing charges for allegedly stealing medication from Thabazimbi Hospital in Limpopo. The alleged theft came to light when a security guard found unauthorised medication in her bag during a routine check on 2 September 2025. Further investigations revealed more medication in her office. Dr. Castaneda was arrested on 22 October 2025, after she returned from Cuba, and was subsequently released on warning.
Key details of the incident
- Who: Dr. Yamilet Castaneda, a 54-year-old Cuban doctor.
- What: Alleged theft of medication.
- Where: Thabazimbi Hospital, Limpopo.
- When: The incident of finding medication occurred on 2 September 2025. Dr. Castaneda was arrested on 22 October 2025.
- How: A security officer found unauthorised medication in her bag during a routine search. More medication was later found in her office.
- Legal proceedings: Dr. Castaneda appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court. She was released on warning and the case has been postponed to 28 November 2025 for further investigation.
A closer look at the story
The case involves Dr. Yamilet Castaneda, a medical professional working at Thabazimbi Hospital in Limpopo, who is accused of stealing medication. The situation unfolded on 2 September 2025, when a security guard conducting a routine search discovered unauthorised medication in Dr. Castaneda’s personal bag. This discovery prompted a more thorough check, which led to the uncovering of additional medication within her office. Following these findings, Dr. Castaneda was arrested on 22 October 2025, shortly after returning from a trip to Cuba. She was subsequently released by the court on warning, indicating that she is not being held in custody while the investigation continues. The Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court has set the next court date for 28 November 2025, allowing time for further investigation into the matter. This incident raises concerns about hospital security and the ethical conduct of medical professionals. For more on similar news, you can explore news from the City of Thohoyandou.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: When did the incident of finding medication occur?
A: The medication was found on 2 September 2025. - Q: Who is the doctor involved?
A: The doctor is Dr. Yamilet Castaneda, a 54-year-old Cuban national. - Q: Where was the medication found?
A: It was found in Dr. Castaneda’s bag during a routine search and also in her office at Thabazimbi Hospital. - Q: When was Dr. Castaneda arrested?
A: She was arrested on 22 October 2025, after returning from Cuba. - Q: What is the current legal status of Dr. Castaneda?
A: She has appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court and was released on warning. - Q: When will the case be heard again?
A: The case has been postponed to 28 November 2025 for further investigation. - Q: Where can I find more information about this story?
A: You can find the original report at Limpopo Chronicle on X.




