The bogus doctor accused of a string of fraud cases was arrested in Babanango on Monday morning.
The accused Phumlani Magudulela (24) worked for three months as an intern doctor at Nkonjeni Hospital in Mahlabathini.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that Magudulela was a wanted by Mamelodi (Pretoria) police for fraud, as he worked as a Medical doctor at Mamelodi east hospital while Secunda police was also in his trail after he jumped bail following his arrest for buying a car using fraudulent documents.
A Nkonjeni source claimed Magudulela disappeared with R40 000 had borrowed from colleagues, claiming he was preparing to perform his late mother’s ritual.
“I know him as Dr Nkosi. He told us he lived in Mondlo and was among the group of medical doctors who were trained in Cuba.
” The hospital management became suspicious about his behavior and imitated an investigation” said the source.
“They discovered he only studied medicine for one year before dropping out and the matter was reported to the police”
Police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala said Saps units reacted to tip off information and took Magudulela to Mondlo where two cellphones, a graduation gown and two stethoscope marked Dr Thomo were found.
Gwala said Magudulela was arrested and handed over to Mamelodi east Saps on Tuesday.
He was scheduled to appear in Mamelodi East Magistrates Court on Wednesday for fraud after which he will be taken to Secunda for jumping bail before making his first appearance in Vryheid Magistrates Court for fraud.” Gwala said
Department of health KZN spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said the department has already embarked on reviewing and tightening the process that regulate the admission of medical interns.
” The matter is being investigated, and once findings are finalised we will be at liberty to comment further on the matter”
“The MEC for health in KZN Nomagugu Simelane Zulu has convened an urgent meeting with all district directors to ensure management of all health facilities across the province are sufficiently informed about the measures to be put into place to prevent such occurrence” Maphisa said