66-year-old arrested in Limpopo after illegal circumcisions leave victims with septic wounds

A 66-year-old man has been arrested in Slaaphoek village, Limpopo, after alleged illegal circumcision procedures left victims with septic wounds, police said.

Tip-off led police to unsafe operations

Members of the South African Police Service responded after a concerned resident alerted them to images of males with septic wounds following circumcision procedures carried out in an unsafe environment. The tip-off prompted an inspection of the premises.

Victims treated at hospital

Police said two of the victims were admitted to a hospital for treatment and were unable to walk properly.

Suspended doctor accused of operating illegally

Authorities at a local hospital confirmed with police that the 66-year-old had been suspended as a medical doctor by the Health Professions Council of South Africa in 2021 and did not have permission to perform medical procedures.

Unhygienic conditions found

On Monday, traditional leaders and members of the South African Police Service conducted a health inspection at the premises. They found a large number of males on site, with some experiencing severe pain in their private parts and others waiting to be circumcised. The procedures were reportedly being carried out in an unhygienic room with no basin or running water and walls blackened by firewood burned inside.

Arrest and court appearance

An elderly male on the premises was unable to produce legal documentation showing he could practise as a doctor, police said. He was arrested at the scene for conducting unsafe medical circumcisions under pretences and contravening the Health Professions Act.

The 66-year-old appeared at the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday facing charges of fraud and contravention of the Health Professions Act. He remains in police custody after the matter was postponed to next Monday for a bail application and further investigations at the Maleboho Periodical Court.

Investigations continue

SAPS said investigations are underway.