KwaMashu duo arrested for selling fake sick notes after drug addict unwittingly tips off cops

Some of the fraudulent medical certificates found in the possession of two men arrested earlier this week in KwaMashu, Durban. The suspects allegedly operated a fake sick-note scheme for nearly a decade, using the names and details of legitimate medical practitioners.

Image: Twitter / X

A drug addict's unwitting cooperation with undercover police allegedly led to the arrest of two KwaMashu men accused of selling fraudulent medical certificates to employees seeking paid time off work.

The suspects, aged 36 and 39, were arrested earlier this week at the Ithala Shopping Centre on Malandela Road in KwaMashu, north of Durban, where they allegedly operated a long-running scheme selling fake sick notes.

According to information obtained by this publication, the pair allegedly charged R100 for a one-day medical certificate and R150 for a certificate covering three days of sick leave. The certificates reportedly carried the details of legitimate medical practitioners, although it remains unclear how the suspects obtained the doctors' information.

It is alleged that employees who wished to miss work without legitimate medical reasons purchased the fraudulent certificates from the suspects, who were known to conduct their business openly, including in passages within the shopping centre.

A source familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, said police had received information about the operation and deployed an undercover officer to investigate.

"It is alleged that an undercover police officer approached a drug addict and asked where he could find people selling medical certificates. The man then led the officer directly to the suspects," the source said.

According to the source, the suspects believed they had found a new customer and allegedly handed the intermediary R50 as a token of appreciation for bringing them business.

"The drug addict left, and the suspects remained with the supposed patient. They allegedly proceeded to prepare a medical certificate, after which the officer identified himself as a police official and arrested them on the spot," the source added.

Authorities suspect that the pair may have been operating the scheme for as long as a decade before their arrest.

One of the doctors whose details allegedly appeared on the fraudulent certificates has practised in KwaMashu for more than 30 years. Responding to the incident on social media, he emphasised that the suspects were not medical practitioners but criminals allegedly exploiting the identities of legitimate doctors.

"They were selling these certificates on the street. The use of medical certificates bearing my name, as well as those of several other doctors, has been going on for about 14 years," the doctor said.

He praised police for their investigation and the subsequent arrests, expressing hope that the action would help curb the illegal trade in fraudulent medical certificates.

Police have not yet released further details regarding the charges the suspects are expected to face.

For more news click on this link: Sunday Tribune