By Everson Luhanga
A female fake doctor, who called herself Dr Zulu, and claimed to be working at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg has been arrested for demanding R700 to help patients.
She allegedly even told patients to meet her at the gate of the hospital so that she could take them inside for treatment.
The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed the incident and warned the public not to fall victim to fraudulent doctors.
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said: “We would like to warn the public not to fall prey to bogus healthcare practitioners who try to solicit bribes before offering their so-called services.”
Modiba said the person impersonating a medical doctor was arrested at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Sunday night after they demanded a patient pay R700 for the fake doctor to assist the patient.
“The patient became suspicious when the bogus doctor who was wearing green scrubs with the name Dr Zulu imprinted on the uniform, advised her to meet at the pedestrian gate where the payment was to be made,” said Modiba.
“The escort notified the security personnel who eventually apprehended the bogus doctor at the hospital’s pedestrian gate.”
He said when the “doctor” was asked to produce her Health Professional Council of South Africa registration number and a personal number by the security and facility management, they were unable to do so.
“The Bara Hospital team has since opened a case at Diepkloof police station. The bogus
doctor spent a night in custody and was due to appear at the Orlando Magistrate’s
Court on Tuesday afternoon,” health department spokesperson Modiba added.
Pictured above: The fake doctor.
Image source: Supplied
