Taurai Prosper Vanhuvaone, a 29-year-old man recently in the news for allegedly posing as a medical doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, has been arrested again at the same facility. Last week, Vanhuvaone was granted bail of US$100 by a Bulawayo magistrate after the State found no compelling reasons to deny him bail. His conditions included residing at his given address, reporting to the police weekly, and not interfering with State witnesses, with a court date set for October 7.
Despite these conditions, he was spotted at Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday, leading to his latest arrest. This incident has prompted local residents to demand an urgent investigation into the hospital’s operations.
Inspector Abednico Ncube, the Bulawayo Province police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and stated that Vanhuvaone was apprehended after a victim reported him. “We are still investigating the matter,” Ncube said. “One of his victims raised the alarm after he conned them out of money, promising to secure a place at Mpilo Hospital School of Nursing. We want to determine if he violated his bail conditions as well.”
Vanhuvaone, who resides in Barbourfields suburb, was initially arrested last month after his deception was uncovered. He allegedly misrepresented himself as a doctor, using the name Prosper Mpofu, to deceive patients seeking medical care. He faces two counts of fraud and one count of misrepresentation.
Residents are increasingly concerned about the safety of those seeking medical services at the hospital. The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), through their lawyers at Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, expressed their worries, questioning how an unregistered practitioner could gain access to a medical institution. They pointed out that this situation threatens the public’s right to safe healthcare, as stipulated in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
In a letter addressed to Dr. Narcisius Dzvanga, the chief medical officer of Mpilo Central Hospital, BPRA highlighted that the hospital must ensure only qualified individuals provide medical services, in accordance with the Health Professions Act and the Health Service Regulations of 2006. The residents are also seeking clarification on the measures in place to help the public identify legitimate healthcare providers at the hospital.
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