Authorities have arrested 20 bogus doctors this financial year as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal medical practitioners. Picture Credit: InsuranceChat
By Aisha Zardad
Gauteng – Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says 20 unregistered practitioners have been arrested in the 2025/2026 financial year, among them a Midrand-based individual who allegedly operated illegally for a decade.
The revelation came in response to a parliamentary question by Thandiswa Marawu, who asked how authorities failed to identify the Midrand suspect earlier and what support measures were in place for affected patients
Motsoaledi said the individual evaded detection because he was not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
“The bogus practitioner in Midrand was not detected earlier because he was not registered with the HPCSA, and therefore did not appear in the HPCSA’s practitioners register. In such circumstances the HPCSA depends on reports from the community,” he said.
He explained that the case only came to light after a tip-off from a member of the public.
“A joint operation was then coordinated with the South African Police Service to inspect the practice. This operation led to the arrest of the bogus practitioner,” he said.
Motsoaledi emphasised that no one is permitted to practise as a medical professional without HPCSA registration, and dismissed any suggestion that government officials enabled the illegal activity.
He also clarified that the HPCSA cannot discipline individuals who falsely present themselves as doctors, as it only has jurisdiction over registered practitioners.
“The HPCSA cannot initiate disciplinary action against individuals presenting themselves as doctors without proper registration, as its jurisdiction applies only to registered practitioners,” he said.
Instead, such cases are treated as criminal offences and handled through the justice system. Affected patients have been urged to report cases to SAPS and may also pursue civil claims for damages.
“Patients are further encouraged to report such matters to the Department of Health in order to receive appropriate assistance and access to the necessary care,” he said.
Motsoaledi acknowledged that identifying bogus practitioners remains difficult, particularly as some operate in organised networks.
“Identifying bogus practitioners is challenging due to limited resources and capacity, as they operate nationwide and, in some cases, as organized syndicates,” he said.
He added that awareness campaigns are being rolled out to help the public identify warning signs, such as cash-only practices, missing registration certificates, and inconsistencies between practitioners and registered business names.
The crackdown follows intensified enforcement efforts. In the 2024/2025 financial year, 49 bogus practitioners were arrested and brought before court.
So far in the current financial year, authorities have conducted thousands of inspections and investigations, leading to 20 arrests.
Motsoaledi said authorities are continuing to work with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to clamp down on illegal practitioners and strengthen oversight across the healthcare sector.
