Noakes 'guilty' verdict case not complete

It is “completely untrue” that Professor Tim Noakes has been found guilty of unprofessional conduct‚ a member of his legal team said on Friday.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HSPCA) released a statement earlier in the day saying Noakes had been found guilty.

However‚ a member of his legal team told TimesLIVE that it was not true. “The case is not even completed and we are arguing it in April‚ with judgment scheduled for 21 April.”

The HSPCA issued a second statement on Friday afternoon saying: “The previous statement is retracted and we apologise for incorrectly stating that Professor Tim Noakes was found guilty by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC).”

Noakes and the Pro Forma Complainant have until next year to file their heads of argument‚ which will be argued before the PCC in April.

Noakes was accused of unprofessional conduct after he provided “unconventional advice” on social networks on what breast-fed babies should be given when being weaned.

Noakes made the low-carb diet popular with his book The Real Meal Revolution‚ claiming the regimen helped prevent diabetes.