By: Natasha Archary

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has confirmed that a female bogus doctor was apprehended at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital on Tuesday, 18 June.
A case has been opened at the Rabasotho Police Station, and the female imposter is expected to appear in court on Thursday, 20 June.
Samuel Modiba Head of Communications at the GDoH, said the apprehension of the suspect sends a strong message to anyone who is trying to impersonate a medical professional.
“The suspect who was apprehended on Tuesday night for impersonating a doctor at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital is expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrates Court later today.
The apprehension of the suspect once again sends a strong message to people trying to impersonate healthcare professionals that the law will have to take its course.
In terms of ensuring that they suffer the full consequences because there can be dire consequences where people impersonate healthcare professionals and therefore maybe offer advice to the public. Advice of which could be harmful to the public.
We are grateful to the response from staff who were able to pick up that this person is not one of the staff at the hospital.”
The GDoH said 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 Professionals Council of South Africa.
MEDIA STATEMENT || BOGUS DOCTOR ARRESTED AT TEMBISA TERTIARY HOSPITAL pic.twitter.com/92TkpHRNMq
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) June 19, 2024
In October 2023, charges against bogus TikTok “doctor” Matthew Lani were dropped by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after the State was found to have no prima facie case against him.
Lani was apprehended at Helen Joseph Hospital on 29 October.
The social media user portrayed a qualified medical doctor, using the alias of Dr Sanele Zingelwa who is a second year intern at Tembisa Hospital.
Dr Zingelwa has since opened a case of defamation against Matthew Lani after his reputation and life had been affected by Lani’s actions.
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