The original claim: In June 2021, South African media reported that a 37-year-old woman, Gosiame Thamara Sithole, had given birth to ten babies (decuplets) in Pretoria, allegedly setting a world record. This narrative captured international attention and sparked questions about pregnancy, birth, and hospital procedures.
Subsequent investigation: An official inquiry and multiple outlets questioned the veracity of the decuplets claim, with many sources concluding that the babies did not exist or that the story was unsubstantiated. The BBC and other reputable outlets reported that the claim was not true and that the case appeared to be a hoax or misreporting.
Public and media impact: The saga prompted widespread media curiosity, but it also highlighted risks of sensational headlines leading to misinformation, especially in cases involving extraordinary birth counts and high public interest.
Key outcomes
Verification status: The official findings indicated the decuplets story was not true, emphasizing the importance of verifying extraordinary health claims with reliable sources and official records.
Lessons for readers: Extraordinary birth stories require cautious scrutiny—including confirmation from healthcare professionals, hospital records, and independent reporters—before accepting them as fact. Responsibly reporting on such events helps prevent the spread of misinformation.