Fake doctor appears in court, further remanded

TAURAI Prosper Vanhuvaone, who has been in the spotlight for allegedly masquerading as a doctor, appeared in court yesterday and was further remanded to October14.

Vanhuvaone’s case grabbed headlines following his arrest and subsequent release on bail, only for him to be re-arrested at Mpilo Hospital last Monday.

He was re-arrested by the police on charges of breaching his bail conditions after being spotted at Mpilo Hospital but released on bail again after his alibi checked out.

He had previously been granted US$100 bail by a  Bulawayo magistrate, with the State finding no compelling reasons to deny him bail. His bail conditions required him to reside at his stated address, report to the police once a week and avoid interfering with State witnesses until the matter is finalised.

On the day of his re-arrest, Vanhuvaone was seen near Mpilo Hospital’s children’s ward, which triggered the police’s intervention. Bulawayo provincial police deputy spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said Vanhuvaone was apprehended after encountering a victim who raised the alarm.

Vanhuvaone had reportedly promised the individual a place at the Mpilo School of Nursing in May.

 

“He lives in Barbourfields and was on his way to Greenspan and took a shortcut through the hospital when he bumped into one of his alleged victims. The hospital’s security responded promptly, alerting the police, who detained him for questioning before verifying his alibi and releasing him under surveillance,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

Vanhuvaone is accused of masquerading as a doctor at Mpilo Hospital under the false identity of Prosper Mpofu. He faces two counts of fraud and one of misrepresentation. An internal investigation revealed that Vanhuvaone operated undetected from an office within the hospital for almost two years. He allegedly expanded his fraudulent operations to United Bulawayo Hospitals, deceiving patients and staff there as well.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association, represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, has expressed concern over the incident and called for a thorough investigation into hospital operations.

Residents fear that Vanhuvaone’s activities pose a serious threat to patients’ safety.