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Convicted: Bellville Court Finds Fake Doctor Guilty of Fraud and Forgery

Published November 18, 2024
3 months ago

In a landmark ruling by the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 14 November, Rashid Fareed Mahfouz, aged 66, was found guilty of multiple serious offenses, including fraud, forgery, and corruption. This decision marks a significant milestone in the crackdown on fraudulent medical practitioners in South Africa.





The court heard how Mahfouz deceitfully impersonated a registered medical doctor, exploiting the trust of unsuspecting patients. Over several months, he issued fake sick notes and unlawfully dispensed medication, jeopardizing the health and safety of those he falsely treated. The details of an actual registered doctor, who remains a victim of identity theft, were misused to facilitate this deception.


Mahfouz's illicit activities came to a screeching halt when he was arrested on 15 February 2023 by the Philippi South African Police Service (SAPS) at the medical practice he illicitly operated from. The arrest followed after diligent investigations triggered by complaints relating to his unregistered status, as mandated by the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974.


Further complicating his legal troubles, during the bail proceedings on 8 March 2023, Mahfouz attempted to corrupt a court orderly at the Philippi Magistrate’s Court into destroying the case docket. This bold move led to an additional charge of corruption against him.


In 2020, Mahfouz had faced similar charges and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years under the condition that he would not commit similar offenses. The conditions of his previous sentence were blatantly disregarded, influencing the court's decision to deny bail this time around.


Presiding Judge Michelle Samuels underscored the severity of Mahfouz's actions, which eroded public trust in the healthcare system. The judge emphasized the importance of stringent penalties to deter like-minded individuals and protect public welfare.


Mahfouz is due back in court for sentencing on 21 November. The healthcare community and his victims await the final judgment, hoping for justice to be served firmly to set a precedent.


The Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sent a strong message with this conviction — the South African legal system remains vigilant against those who endanger public health by flouting medical laws and regulations.


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