Gqeberha Doctor Suspended for Issuing Fraudulent Medical Certificates

The Health Professions Council of South Africa has suspended a Gqeberha-based medical doctor from practising medicine after he was found guilty of fraudulently issuing medical certificates required by drivers applying for Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs).

In a statement, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and the Health Professions Council of South African arrested Dr Bongani Nqini in May 2019 following an investigation.

Nqini was nabbed after a NTACU member acting as an undercover agent went to the doctor’s rooms in Zwide and was given a sick note with five days leave without being examined

The RTMC says the investigation was prompted by numerous complaints from members of the public who indicated that doctors in Zwide, Gqeberha were issuing medical certificates to members of the public without subjecting them to the necessary medical examinations.

“He returned the following day, and he was given a medical certificate certifying that he was fit to apply for a PrDP without being subjected to the necessary physical examination.” 

Nqini was found guilty on five counts and sentenced to a fine of R120 000 payable in six monthly instalments.

Nqini was further suspended from practising medicine for a period of three years wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar offence during the period of suspension.