Polokwane – A 66-year-old suspended medical doctor has been arrested for allegedly performing illegal and unsafe circumcisions after several patients suffered septic wounds, with two requiring hospitalisation in Limpopo.
The suspect, identified as Mashilo Kgathi, was arrested on Monday in Slaaphoek village under the Maleboho policing area.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrest followed a community tip-off received on 1 July after a concerned resident reported disturbing images of young men who had allegedly developed septic wounds following circumcision procedures carried out in an unsafe environment.
Police said two of the victims had been admitted to hospital for treatment and were unable to walk properly.
Authorities at a local hospital confirmed that the suspect had been suspended as a medical doctor by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in 2021 and was not authorised to practise.
The suspect was asked to produce documentation authorising him to practise as a medical doctor but allegedly failed to do so.
He was arrested on charges of fraud and contravening the Health Professions Act.
Kgathi appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where he was remanded in custody.
The matter was postponed to Monday, 13 July, for a bail application and further police investigations at the Maleboho Periodical Court.
Police said investigations are continuing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
