Crimes and Courts Correspondent
Taurai Prosper Vanhuvaone, a 29-year-old Bulawayo man, has been granted $100 bail by Bulawayo Magistrate Nomagugu Maphosa for allegedly impersonating a doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital.
“There were no compelling reasons to deny the accused bail,” Magistrate Maphosa said, ordering Vanhuvaone to reside at his given address, report to the police weekly, and not interfere with State witnesses.
Vanhuvaone, from Barbourfields suburb, was arrested for masquerading as Dr. Prosper Mpofu, attending to patients, prescribing drugs, and committing fraud. He faces two counts of fraud and one of misrepresentation.
According to court records, Vanhuvaone:
- Attended to patients on September 16, pretending to be a doctor.
- Misrepresented himself to Faith Hove, charging her $120 for treatment.
- Defrauded Samantha Ziki of $1,600 by falsely claiming he could secure her admission to Mpilo Central Hospital School of Nursing.
Mpilo Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Narcisius Dzvanga expressed shock at Vanhuvaone’s ability to operate undetected for two years, putting patients’ lives at risk and compromising the institution’s reputation.
“We regret the incident and are exploring ways to contain the situation. We urge the public to be vigilant,” Dr. Dzvanga said.
Vanhuvaone’s case has been postponed to October 7.
Key Quotes:
- “There were no compelling reasons to deny the accused bail.” – Magistrate Nomagugu Maphosa
- “We regret the incident and are exploring ways to contain the situation.” – Dr. Narcisius Dzvanga
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