A 38-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was arrested in Embalenhle on Wednesday, 12 June 2025, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor. The suspect, identified as Jonathan Ilungwa Kilimba, was apprehended following a compliance inspection conducted by a Health Inspector at a local medical practice.
The operation took place at approximately 14:00 at a surgery operating under the name of a registered doctor in Extension 07, Embalenhle. Upon arrival, the inspector noticed a patient leaving the consultation room. Upon entering, he found Kilimba conducting medical consultations.
When questioned, the suspect presented five patient files, including one belonging to the individual who had just been seen. During the inspection, Kilimba admitted that he was working under the practice owner, a registered medical practitioner, but confessed that he was not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Authorities immediately arrested Kilimba for contravening the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974. He was detained at the Embalenhle SAPS, and the relevant patient file was seized as evidence.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how long the suspect had been practicing illegally and to clarify his working relationship with the registered doctor. Authorities are also verifying the legitimacy of Kilimba’s asylum documentation.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on 17 June 2025, facing charges related to posing as a healthcare professional. Police have indicated that additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.