Mpilo fake doctor breath temporary sigh of relief again

Prosper Vanhuvaone, accused of masquerading as a medical doctor in Bulawayo, breathed a temporary sigh of relief last Friday after the court postponed delivering judgment until Tuesday.

The delay was attributed to the State's failure to meet the magistrate's deadline for finalizing its verdict, citing the complexity of multiple charges Vanhuvaone faces.

The high-profile case has captured the attention of both local media and the Bulawayo community, igniting concerns over the integrity of the medical profession and patient safety in the city.

Vanhuvaone stands charged with practicing medicine without the required qualifications and registration, as well as fraud under Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. The charges allege misrepresentation, financial deceit, and unauthorized professional practice.

According to court records, Vanhuvaone operated illegally within Mpilo Central Hospital for nearly two years, attending to patients, prescribing medication, and allegedly extending his illicit activities to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).

Throughout the trial, prosecution evidence outlined instances where Vanhuvaone performed medical procedures despite lacking proper credentials. The State presented testimonies that highlighted how his actions endangered patients' lives and undermined trust in healthcare services.

Vanhuvaone, who also went by the alias Prosper Mpofu, denied all wrongdoing during his final court submissions. He claimed that accusations were fueled by jealousy and bitterness from former friends and girlfriends. He insisted he never administered injections nor practiced at Mpilo Hospital.

As part of his defense, Vanhuvaone stated that he was not enrolled at the National University of Science and Technology as alleged but claimed to have studied at a South African institution named Medusa - a claim unsupported by any presented documentation.

Previously, Vanhuvaone appealed convictions on two counts of fraud, arguing he was misled by police officers into pleading guilty under the impression he would receive a non-custodial sentence. Though initially granted bail, his release was revoked following the appeal and subsequent conviction.

Among the State's witnesses is Samantha Ziki, a former girlfriend who alleges Vanhuvaone defrauded her of US$1,600 in a scam promising her admission into Mpilo's School of Nursing. Vanhuvaone dismissed her testimony as revenge motivated by bitterness, admitting to partial financial contribution but denying any fraudulent intent.

The prosecution outlined a timeline beginning on 16 September 2023, when Vanhuvaone allegedly posed as a qualified doctor while attending patients at Mpilo Central Hospital. One notable case involved a patient, Miss Hove, whose condition failed to improve under his care, prompting investigations that led to his arrest.

An internal inquiry at Mpilo Hospital uncovered how Vanhuvaone managed to secure office space within the facility and practice undetected by hospital management and health authorities for an extended period, sparking serious concerns about oversight and security within public hospitals.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga testified that Vanhuvaone is classified as an "alien" in hospital records and that his presence was only discovered after the arrest. His testimony aimed to clarify how Vanhuvaone infiltrated the hospital system and operated covertly.

Interestingly, Vanhuvaone chose not to cross-examine Dr Dzvanga, stating he had no questions for the witness.

The judgment in this case is now expected on Tuesday, as the court grapples with the complex issues surrounding one of Bulawayo's most shocking medical fraud scandals. The community awaits a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for safeguarding healthcare standards and patient safety in Zimbabwe.