Bogus doctor arrested in Mpumalanga for practising without credentials
A 38-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been arrested for allegedly posing as a medical doctor at a practice in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga.
The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday afternoon following a routine compliance inspection by a health inspector.
The inspection took place at approximately 2pm at a medical practice in Extension 07. The man was allegedly operating under the name of a registered doctor. The health inspector reportedly witnessed a patient exiting the consultation room and proceeded to investigate further.
Upon entering, the inspector found an adult male conducting consultations. He allegedly presented five patient files, including that of the patient who had just exited.
“During the inspection, the suspect admitted that he was working under the practice owner, a registered medical doctor, and further confessed that he is not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA),” said SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
Police arrested the suspect on the spot and detained him at Embalenhle SAPS.
He faces charges under the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974, for impersonating a medical professional. One patient file was seized as evidence for further investigation.
Authorities have since launched an inquiry to determine how long the suspect had been practising without credentials and to probe the nature of his arrangement with the registered doctor. The validity of the suspect’s asylum documents is also being verified.
He is scheduled to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 17. Police have not ruled out the possibility of further charges.
Welcoming the arrest, Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, urged the public to remain vigilant. “We encourage the public to verify the credentials of medical professionals before seeking their services. The SAPS is committed to protecting communities from individuals who endanger lives through unlawful conduct,” he said.
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