News / National
Fake doctor found guilty in Bulawayo, sentencing set for today
04 Jun 2025 at 09:42hrs | Views
A man who posed as a qualified medical doctor, Prosper Vanhuvaone, has been found guilty of three counts of fraud and one count of impersonation following a high-profile trial in Bulawayo. The verdict, delivered yesterday, has set the stage for what many are calling a landmark sentencing, expected today from Magistrate Mrs Eva Matura.
Vanhuvaone's fraudulent activities have stirred public outrage, with revelations that he assumed a false identity and operated under the guise of a medical professional, thereby putting countless lives at risk. The case has also triggered renewed scrutiny of verification systems within the health sector.
In his plea for leniency, Vanhuvaone said he was under peer pressure to succeed and had taken shortcuts in a misguided effort to keep up with friends who had graduated ahead of him.
"I promise to reform and become a law-abiding citizen. I intend to complete my studies in the medical field," he told the court, adding that he deserved a non-custodial sentence due to his responsibilities as a family man.
Vanhuvaone also highlighted his financial stability, saying he owns a car, has US$1,800 in savings, a house in the suburbs, and operates a private company.
However, the prosecution, led by Mr Samuel Mpofu, pushed back strongly against any leniency, calling Vanhuvaone a "pathological fraudster."
"This case is of national interest. He has a history of deception, previously using the name Prosper Mpofu. Granting him a non-custodial sentence would pose a continued threat to public safety. People have already lost confidence in Mpilo Hospital because of his actions," said Mr Mpofu.
The trial has attracted widespread public attention, raising alarm over the ease with which individuals can infiltrate critical sectors like health care through deception.
Health professionals and legal experts have echoed calls for a firm sentence, warning that failure to act decisively may embolden others to commit similar crimes.
As the nation waits for Magistrate Matura's ruling today, the outcome is expected to send a strong message about accountability and safeguarding public trust in the healthcare system.
Vanhuvaone's fraudulent activities have stirred public outrage, with revelations that he assumed a false identity and operated under the guise of a medical professional, thereby putting countless lives at risk. The case has also triggered renewed scrutiny of verification systems within the health sector.
In his plea for leniency, Vanhuvaone said he was under peer pressure to succeed and had taken shortcuts in a misguided effort to keep up with friends who had graduated ahead of him.
"I promise to reform and become a law-abiding citizen. I intend to complete my studies in the medical field," he told the court, adding that he deserved a non-custodial sentence due to his responsibilities as a family man.
Vanhuvaone also highlighted his financial stability, saying he owns a car, has US$1,800 in savings, a house in the suburbs, and operates a private company.
"This case is of national interest. He has a history of deception, previously using the name Prosper Mpofu. Granting him a non-custodial sentence would pose a continued threat to public safety. People have already lost confidence in Mpilo Hospital because of his actions," said Mr Mpofu.
The trial has attracted widespread public attention, raising alarm over the ease with which individuals can infiltrate critical sectors like health care through deception.
Health professionals and legal experts have echoed calls for a firm sentence, warning that failure to act decisively may embolden others to commit similar crimes.
As the nation waits for Magistrate Matura's ruling today, the outcome is expected to send a strong message about accountability and safeguarding public trust in the healthcare system.
Source - the herald
