Radiologist Dr Pieter Henning faces fresh negligence complaint following patient’s death

The complainant described the incident as highly traumatic and said she delayed reporting it for nearly two years because hospital management had allegedly indicated that an internal investigation would be conducted and that they would report.

GEORGE NEWS – Prominent radiologist Dr Pieter Henning, the public face of Keystone Radiology, is facing renewed scrutiny after a formal complaint of alleged medical negligence was lodged with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in connection with the death of a patient at a North West private hospital.

An ICU nurse has filed the complaint, alleging that Henning, the founder of Keystone Radiology, which also had offices in George, was responsible for a fatal outcome during a medical procedure performed at Mooimed Private Hospital in Potchefstroom in July 2023. The complaint adds to existing professional and criminal matters involving the radiologist.

According to the complaint, the patient was being treated for pleural effusion, a condition commonly referred to as “water on the lungs”, and required the insertion of a pleural drain to assist with breathing.

The nurse alleges that difficulties arose during the procedure when Henning reportedly struggled to remove a guidewire from the drain.

In her account to the HPCSA, the nurse claims the guidewire was pulled with such force that it began to uncoil.

She further alleges that Henning cut off the safety tip of a pigtail drain, a component designed to prevent internal injury, before reinserting it. Following the reinsertion, the nurse claims fresh blood flowed from the drain.

Despite emergency intervention and resuscitation efforts, the patient reportedly went into cardiac arrest and died shortly thereafter.

The complainant described the incident as highly traumatic and said she delayed reporting it for nearly two years because hospital management had allegedly indicated that an internal investigation would be conducted and that the hospital would report it to HPCSA. She claims this process never materialised.

The HPCSA has confirmed that it is investigating the complaint and that it is following prescribed regulatory procedures.

Separate allegations of impairment have also been raised against Henning and are reportedly being considered by the HPCSA. These relate to claims that he was seen in possession of pethidine, a Schedule 6 opioid.

A witness has alleged that Henning injected himself before seeing patients. Henning has denied these allegations, stating that claims of substance abuse are unfounded and aimed at discrediting his professional competence.

Henning is also facing criminal charges unrelated to his medical practice. In November 2025, he was arrested in Stellenbosch after allegedly discharging a firearm in a public place and causing damage to property at Techno Park. He was released on R1,000 bail and is due to appear in court on 30 March 2026.

Lenmed Hospital Group, which manages Mooimed Private Hospital, said through spokesperson Michelle Naidoo that Lenmed is bound to stringent confidentiality and privacy regulations.

"As such, we are unable to comment on or disclose any information relating to a specific patient, clinical encounter, or individual complaint.

"We can confirm that Lenmed has strict clinical governance, patient safety, and patient experienceframeworks in place across all facilities. These include structured incident reporting, clinical reviewand investigation processes, escalation pathways, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that shouldany adverse events occur, they are managed appropriately and in accordance with regulatory andethical requirements."

She said the alleged incident occurred before Lenmed’s takeover of Mooimed Private Hospital. Nonetheless, Lenmed takes all matters relating to patient safety and clinical governance seriously and is committed to ensuring that robust systems and controls are implemented and maintained.

"Lenmed will cooperate fully with the HPCSA and any other relevant authorities, in line with applicable laws and regulations and in the best interests of our patients and their families, if required."

Keystone Radiology has declined to comment while legal and professional processes are ongoing. Henning was approached for comment, but did not comply.

Shooting incident

Henning is also facing legal and professional scrutiny following a shooting incident and allegations of opioid misuse. Henning was arrested in November after allegedly discharging a firearm at a vacant building in Techno Park, Stellenbosch, while reportedly intoxicated.

Police found additional firearms and ammunition in his unattended vehicle nearby. He was released on R1 000 bail and is due to return to court on 30 March.

Separately, Henning is reportedly under investigation for the alleged misuse of the Schedule 6 opioid pethidine, including claims that he self-administered the drug before performing medical procedures.

He has denied these allegations, saying drug tests showed no substances in his system, and has reported the matter to the HPCSA.

Henning maintains that he complied with firearm legislation, was not as intoxicated as alleged, and fully cooperated with authorities. Keystone Radiology and Mediclinic have confirmed awareness of the allegations but declined to comment further while legal and professional processes are ongoing, stating that operations continue as normal.

Comment from the HPCSA is still awaited.