The bogus ‘doctor’ was handed over to the police and spent a night in custody. The facility management has since opened a case at Rabasotho Police Station and the suspect is due to appear in court soon.

Unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals put innocent lives at risk. It is a criminal offence for any person to impersonate healthcare professionals and to practice whilst not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

The matter is under investigation by both the facility management and the police to establish circumstances under which the bogus doctor gained access to the hospital.

The department is continuously strengthening measures at facilities to safeguard the wellbeing of patients and staff. Our employees and the public are urged to be vigilant against imposters who seek to undermine the work of healthcare professionals.

Issued by Gauteng Department of Health

Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication: 064 803 0808 Healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za

Tshepo Shawa, spokesperson for the MEC for Health: 072 222 6333 or

Tshepo.Shawa@gateng.gov.za

For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Department of Health’s portal at www.health.gpg.gov.za