The Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Rashid Fareed Mahfouz for fraud, forgery and other related charges, after he was found guilty of impersonating a medical professional, on Thursday, 14 November, Cape {town} Etc reports.
On 15 February 2023, it was reported that Mahfouz (66) illegally practised as a doctor without being registered, as prescribed by the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974.
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Mahfouz issued sick notes and dispensed medication to unsuspecting patients, using the details of another doctor. The doctor he impersonated is currently a registered doctor.
Mahfouz was eventually arrested by Philippi SAPS members at a medical practice on 15 February 2023, according to a press statement issued by the SAPS.
During bail proceedings on 08 March 2023, he allegedly tried to bribe a court orderly at Philippi Magistrate’s Court to destroy the case docket, by offering a certain amount of money to the orderly.
A corruption charge was consequently added, and Mahfouz’s bail application was unsuccessful.
On Thursday, 14 November, Mahfouz pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, forgery, contravention of Section of the Health Professions Act, contravention of the Medicines and Related Substances and corruption.
Mahfouz was previously convicted and sentenced on the same charges in 2020 to a fine of R5 000 and five years’ imprisonment.
These previous charges were suspended for five years on condition that he would not commit similar offences during this period.
Mahfouz is currently being remanded in custody for sentencing on Thursday, 21 November, next week.
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Picture: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels
