The wife of top actor Thabo Malema, whose hysterectomy was botched by a gynaecologist, will finally get justice. This comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters Women's League protested today outside the offices of Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) in Arcadia, Pretoria, demanding that the doctor's licence be suspended.

BOTCHED OPERATION

Former Scandal and Gomora actor's wife, Hlengiwe Mbambo, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and was advised by specialist gynaecologist, Dr Kwaw Asante, to induce menopause by removing her womb and ovaries so her hormones could starve off cancer cells. Mbambo's complications arose when it was found that a ureter, that transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder, was mistakenly cut. Her urine could not be passed down and it was stuck in the kidneys. She said her bladder is now weak and she has to be near a toilet at all times and needs to see her urologist very often. Mbambo apparently also later discovered that the assistant surgeon was not registered with the HPCSA.

JUSTICE AT LAST

Mbambo filed a case with the HPSSA last year about her botched surgery by Dr Asante. Hlengiwe's spokesperson, Ismaa-iel Bassier, said that the protest was in support of Mbambo whose story has been widely covered. "Ms Mbambo experienced negligence under the supervision of a doctor and upon further investigation, it was discovered that the assistant surgeon present during her surgery was not registered with the HPCSA and did not have her consent. Today, on January 30th, the HPCSA board was scheduled to conduct a hearing for Ms Mbambo's main gynaecologist to determine his guilt. Unfortunately, Ms Mbambo has been denied access to the proceedings," Bassier said. He added that after the hearing which was also attended by Gauteng Department of Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Mbambo was informed that the doctor will know his fate next Monday. "The peaceful protest is aimed to draw attention to the broader issue and we anticipate the participation of other to come forward and file their complaints because this is not the first incident where women are going through such and their matters are being ignored by the HPCSA," he said. Christopher Tsatsawane, who is the Head of Corporate Affairs at HPCSA said the case is being considered by the Preliminary Comittee on Tuesday and Wednesday. "The resolution of the Committee will be communicated to the complainant within 14 days after the meeting in line with the regulations," Tsatsawane said.