Fake Doctor Arrested Used Dead Doctor’s Name To Deceive, Treat Thousands Over Three Years

A middle-aged man was arrested on Wednesday during a sting operation after allegedly posing as a qualified medical doctor and treating thousands of unsuspecting patients at a popular local surgery.

The practice once belonged to the late Dr Govindaraj Muruvan, a respected medical professional who passed away in September 2020.

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According to reports, the suspect approached Dr Muruvan’s bereaved family shortly after his passing and offered to rent the premises.

From there, he began operating under false pretenses, allegedly with his wife acting as a nurse—despite her background being in floristry and lacking any medical registration.

Together, the pair ran the Havenside-based clinic for over three years, drawing patients from across Chatsworth and surrounding areas.

Sting Operation Uncovers Shocking Breach Of Health Regulations

The arrest was carried out after the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) flagged the practice during an investigation.

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Bayview SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Collin Chetty, stated: “On April 16, at around 11am, an HPCSA official contacted Bayview SAPS after preliminary investigations indicated an unregistered individual was practising at the late Dr Muruvan’s surgery.”

During the raid, the suspect falsely claimed to be a registered doctor affiliated with the HPCSA.

Officials discovered a child patient had been treated at the illegal clinic earlier that day.

Additionally, stamps bearing Dr Muruvan’s name were being used to authenticate documents and prescriptions.

The suspect was charged under the Health Professions Act of 1974, which prohibits any unregistered individual from practising medicine in South Africa.

He is expected to appear in court soon.

Community Leaders Demand Accountability As Investigation Widens

Local leaders have expressed outrage over the deception.

Rocky Naidoo, chairperson of the Havenside Civic Association, said, “This is a betrayal of trust.

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“This man used the identity of a well-known doctor and endangered lives. What’s worse is that this went on for over three years without anyone verifying his credentials.”

Naidoo urged residents who received treatment at the fake clinic to come forward and assist in the investigation.

He also called on the community to always verify medical credentials through the HPCSA’s online registry.

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