Two foreign nationals have been apprehended in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, for allegedly treating patients and performing illegal backstreet abortions.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) acted upon information received about a suspected bogus doctor operating on Twist Street in Hillbrow. The arrests were made by the JMPD tactical unit, and the individuals detained were aged 47 and 54.
According to Superintendent Xolani Fihla, the alleged bogus doctor was accused of issuing fraudulent medical certificates and conducting illegal abortions. The JMPD team monitored the movement of patients entering and leaving a specific building.
Upon entering the building, the officers encountered the alleged bogus doctor and proceeded to verify the legitimacy of the practice and the authenticity of the supporting documentation, which was suspected to be fraudulent and downloaded from the internet.
Initially, the man claimed to be a manager rather than a doctor. However, during questioning, a second man was discovered inside the building, who eventually admitted to operating an illegal medical practice.
The authorities found assorted medical equipment, medication such as Antiretroviral (ARV) medication, testing kits, and syringes. Additionally, blood-stained buckets were discovered within the premises.
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Both men were arrested and taken into custody at the Hillbrow police station. A docket has been opened to initiate further investigation, and queries will be made with the Health Professionals Council of SA (HPCSA) to ascertain the qualifications of the arrested individuals.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the need to protect the public from unqualified and illegal medical practitioners. The authorities will continue their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the community by cracking down on such illicit practices.
