An alleged unregistered 51-year-old doctor operating in Havenside has been charged, released on station bail, and is expected to appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court soon.
On Wednesday, 16 April at 11am, an investigating officer from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) contacted the Station Commander of SAPS Bayview, Lieutenant Colonel Shenlatha Raghoonundan, regarding the matter.
Communications Officer of SAPS Bayview, warrant officer Collin Chetty, said: “According to the HPCSA’s preliminary investigation and information received, an unregistered doctor was allegedly practising at the premises formerly operated by the late Dr Govindaraj Muruvan. It is further alleged that his wife, believed to be a nurse at the same practice, is also not registered.
“When the HPCSA official entered the premises accompanied by police, the man identified himself as a doctor registered with the HPCSA. He was subsequently charged in terms of the Health Professions Act of 1974, which states that no person shall practise within the Republic in a health profession without proper registration under this Act.”
The community is strongly urged to verify the credentials of medical practitioners via the HPCSA website and to report any suspected unregistered individuals directly to the council.
Following a sting operation and an undercover visit to the practice last week, officers from SAPS, the HPCSA, and Provincial Crime Intelligence successfully apprehended the alleged bogus doctor. This is a developing story.
