Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
13 June 2025
A 38-year-old male suspect from the Democratic of Congo, who was allegedly posing as a medical doctor, was arrested in Embalenhle on Wednesday, 12 June 2025, following a compliance inspection conducted by a Health Inspector at a local medical practice.
At approximately 14h00, the Health Inspector visited a surgery operating under the name of a registered medical doctor, located at Extension 07, Embalenhle. Upon arrival, the inspector observed a patient exiting the consultation room. He then entered the room and found an adult male conducting medical consultations, who identified himself as Jonathan Ilungwa Kilimba.
When questioned, the suspect produced five patient files, including one belonging to the patient who had just been seen. During the inspection, the suspect admitted that he was working under the practice owner, a registered medical doctor, and further confessed that he is not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
The suspect was immediately arrested and detained at Embalenhle SAPS for contravening the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974. The relevant patient file was confiscated as evidence for further investigation.
Investigations are continuing to establish the extent and duration of the suspect’s unlawful practice and to assess the working relationship between him and the registered doctor. Authorities are also verifying the authenticity of the suspect’s asylum documentation.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on 17 June 2025, facing charges related to impersonating a healthcare professional. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being filed.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and urged members of the public to remain vigilant. “We urge the public to always verify the credentials of medical professionals before consulting them. The SAPS remains committed to protecting the public from unqualified individuals who put lives at risk by operating illegally,” said the General.
