Two recent incidents have highlighted the dangers posed by unregistered and fraudulent medical practitioners, prompting the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to take decisive action.
In separate operations in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, individuals attempting to practise unlawfully were apprehended, underscoring ongoing concerns about patient safety and regulatory oversight.
According to HPCSA in the first case, Faith Mayahle, a Zimbabwean national, was apprehended at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Gauteng for presenting herself as a medical doctor and specialist dermatologist while applying for a post at the hospital.
Verification revealed that Mayahle was not registered with the HPCSA and had submitted fraudulent documents, including credentials belonging to registered doctor Dr. Andrew Ferreirinah.
Mayahle was arrested and detained at Pretoria Central Police Station, facing charges of fraud and contravening Section 40(a) and (b) of the Health Professions Act. She appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 12 March 2026 and was granted bail. Investigations remain ongoing, with statements to be obtained from Dr. Ferreirinah and hospital representatives.
In a separate operation in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province, the HPCSA Inspectorate Office found Zimbabwean national Dickson Kadirire practising as a medical doctor at Avenue Medical Centre without being registered.
Kadirire revealed that he was employed by Edward Mathebula, a South African national who is also unregistered. Kadirire has been detained by the Nelspruit SAPS and is set to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on 16 March 2026. Investigations into Mathebula’s involvement are ongoing.
“These cases underscore the critical importance of rigorous verification processes within healthcare institutions and the vital role of regulatory oversight in protecting patients from unqualified and fraudulent practitioners,” said the HPCSA.
Acting Registrar David Mametja emphasised the council’s stance:
“The safety and well-being of the public is our foremost priority. The HPCSA will continue to act decisively against individuals who undermine the integrity of the health professions by practising without proper registration. We urge all South Africans to remain vigilant and to verify the credentials of their healthcare providers.”
The HPCSA has warned healthcare institutions and the public alike to remain cautious, ensuring that only qualified and duly registered practitioners are permitted to provide medical services in South Africa.
Saturday Star