Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A PRIVATE hospital in Southerton is facing allegations of dumping an amputated human leg and other medical waste at a Chitungwiza dumping site.
The leg was found partially burnt, wrapped in bandages, and accompanied by items including syringes, gloves, and assorted medical waste, which were scattered at the dumping location, last week.
Southerton-based Sante 24 Hospital is being accused of unlawfully disposing of the waste.
Police investigations revealed that the leg belonged to a 71-year-old man and was amputated as part of treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer.
The medical procedure is reported to have been carried out sometime in August, with the left leg being amputated below the knee.
Police said that on September 6, this year, the hospital’s waste container, which had the limb, was reported to have been mistakenly included among 29 bins handed over to Rajiv Makaza for disposal.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said the body part is currently held at Chitungwiza Central Hospital Mortuary pending the finalisation of the case.
“Investigations are underway. The hospital will be charged for contravening Section 70(1) as read with Section 70(5) of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 20:27 for unlawfully discharging, disposing of, causing or permitting the disposal of health-care waste in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, pollution to the environment and ill health to persons,” said Insp Chakanza.
The body part was found by an unidentified woman scavenging for recyclable plastics.
