A 38-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo was arrested in eMbalenhle on June 12 for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor.
The arrest followed a compliance inspection conducted by a health inspector at a local medical practice. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson for Mpumalanga Police, confirmed that the health inspector visited a surgery in Extension 7, operating under the name of a registered medical doctor.
“The inspector observed a patient leaving the consultation room and then entered to find a man conducting medical consultations. The man identified himself as Jonathan Ilungwa Kilimba.”
According to Ndubane, when questioned, the suspect produced five patient files, including one belonging to the recently seen patient.
“During the inspection, the suspect admitted working under the registered medical practice owner but confessed he was not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).”
The man was immediately arrested and detained at eMbalenhle Police Station for violating the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974. The relevant patient files were confiscated as evidence for further investigation.
In a media release, Ndubane stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent and duration of the suspect’s unlawful medical practice and to assess his relationship with the registered doctor. Authorities are also verifying the authenticity of the suspect’s asylum documentation.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on June 17, facing charges related to impersonating a healthcare professional. Police have not ruled out additional charges.
Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and urged the public to stay vigilant.
“Always verify the credentials of medical professionals before consulting them. The SAPS remains committed to protecting the public from unqualified individuals who endanger lives by operating illegally,” said the General.
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