Suspended doctor arrested after alleged unsafe circumcisions in Limpopo village

A 66-year-old doctor who was suspended by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in 2021 was arrested after a community tip-off led police to alleged unsafe circumcision procedures in Slaaphoek village, Limpopo.

Tip-off and hospital admissions

Police said the arrest followed a tip-off on Thursday, July 1, 2026, after a resident reported disturbing images showing male victims with septic wounds following circumcision procedures. Two victims were admitted to hospital for medical treatment and were unable to walk properly, according to police.

Inspection and conditions

Police and traditional leaders inspected the premises on Monday, July 6, 2026. Authorities found a large number of young males at the site, with some experiencing severe pain and others waiting to be circumcised. Police said the room where procedures were allegedly being carried out was unhygienic, had no basin or running water, and its walls were blackened from firewood burned inside.

Arrest and charges

Police identified the arrested man as Mashilo Kgathi, 66, and said hospital authorities confirmed he had been suspended by the HPCSA in 2021 and was not authorised to practise as a medical doctor. Kgathi was asked to produce legal documents authorising him to practise but failed to do so.

“The suspect was arrested at the scene for conducting unsafe medical circumcisions under false pretences and contravening the Health Professions Act,”

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, police spokesperson.

Kgathi appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, facing charges of fraud and contravention of the Health Professions Act. He was remanded in police custody and the matter was postponed to Monday, July 13, 2026, for a bail application and further investigations at the Maleboho Periodical Court. Police said investigations are continuing.

What authorities say

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba provided the timeline of the tip-off, the inspection findings and the arrest. Authorities also confirmed the HPCSA suspension when contacted by police.