Former Midwife Jailed 23 Years for Deadly Malpractice

Former midwife Yolande Maritz Fouchee (48) has been sentenced to an effective 23 years’ direct imprisonment for a string of crimes against pregnant women, including the death of a nine-day-old baby.

Between 2019 and 2020, Fouchee ran the “You and Me Midwife-led Maternity Care” practice in Murrayfield, Pretoria East. The Pretoria High Court heard that she secretly gave pregnant women water mixed with Cytotec or Oxytocin to induce labour without their knowledge, overlooked complications, and failed to refer patients to specialists.

On 3 April 2019, Fouchee induced a victim’s labour. Her son, Noah Von Kloeg, was born but died nine days later due to complications the midwife had failed to address. Other children suffered lasting health complications, including cerebral palsy.

Fouchee pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse, the court found. The defence asked for correctional supervision, but the State led by prosecutor Adv. Jennifer Cronje presented compelling evidence from experts and victim impact statements.

Judge Papi Mosopa sentenced her on multiple charges, including culpable homicide, assault, assault involving a legal duty, fraud, and employing an unqualified person. Several sentences will run concurrently.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the outcome, saying it brings justice to affected families and reinforces that no one is above the law.