MALALANE – A man operating an illegal surgery in town was granted R2 000 bail during his second appearance in the local Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Abubakari Kaweesa was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Unit and Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) last Tuesday.
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Investigations were launched after the authorities received complaints about a doctor illegally performing abortions and other medical procedures in Malalane.
It was found that Kaweesa was not registered with the HPCSA, as required by law, and he was arrested on charges of contravention of the Health Professional Act 56/1947, Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92/1996 and the Medicine act 101/1996.
Kaweesa reportedly used traditional medicines and abortion tablets and advertised that he could solve a number of issues, including the removal of bad luck, sexual and pregnancy issues, as well as court and divorce cases.
Kaweesa was granted bail on the conditions that his passport be handed in and that he report to the Serious Organised Crime Unit twice a week.
The case was postponed to November 24 for further investigation.
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All health practitioners are required by law to register with the HPCSA before they can practice.
To confirm whether a doctor is registered, visit the HPCA website and to find out how to lodge complaints regarding a healthcare provider, click here.
