The sale of fake medical certificates has increased in Cape Town, and a list of 10 unregistered medical practitioners handing out fake certificates has been released by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Local media GroundUp uncovered three different people who make a living from selling bogus medical certificates in Cape Town. Speaking anonymously, one person who lives in Khayelitsha, said he has created a lucrative business out of the sale of certificates. He sells them for R150 each to people who want to stay away from work. His reason for creating this side business is to support his younger sibling.

He said that he copies the real medical certificates with the real doctor’s name and information, but changes the contact details in case the company calls to verify the details.

HPCSA Spokesperson Priscilla Sekhonyana said that it has in the possession 28 fake medical certificates reported to the Cape Town office.

The HPCSA has established an inspectorate office which conducts inspections of registered practitioners and investigates allegations of illegal practice by unregistered people.

Unregistered or illegal practitioners may be reported to the HPCSA at [email protected] or you can contact them on 012 338 9300.

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Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.