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Bogus Mpilo doctor swindled prospective nurse trainees US$8,000
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A 29-year-old Bulawayo man, Prosper Taurai Vanhuvaone, has been sentenced to an effective 42 months in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of fraud for posing as a qualified medical doctor and defrauding desperate job-seekers.
Vanhuvaone was convicted at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court for falsely representing himself as a registered doctor and claiming to be an agent who could facilitate Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for nurses seeking employment in the United Kingdom.
The court heard that between February and September 2024, Vanhuvaone carried out an elaborate scheme targeting individuals at Mpilo Central Hospital and in the city's central business district. Pretending to be a doctor, he convinced several people to pay him money under the pretense that he could secure places for nurse training at Mpilo Hospital and process overseas job placements.
Upon his conviction, the court sentenced Vanhuvaone to 84 months in jail, of which 18 months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. An additional 24 months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the victims US$8,165 by July 30, 2025 - leaving him to serve an effective 42 months behind bars.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) welcomed the ruling, saying it sends a strong message to fraudsters who exploit public trust for personal enrichment.
"This case highlights the severe consequences of abusing people's hopes and needs for financial gain," said the NPAZ in a statement.
Vanhuvaone was convicted at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court for falsely representing himself as a registered doctor and claiming to be an agent who could facilitate Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for nurses seeking employment in the United Kingdom.
The court heard that between February and September 2024, Vanhuvaone carried out an elaborate scheme targeting individuals at Mpilo Central Hospital and in the city's central business district. Pretending to be a doctor, he convinced several people to pay him money under the pretense that he could secure places for nurse training at Mpilo Hospital and process overseas job placements.
Upon his conviction, the court sentenced Vanhuvaone to 84 months in jail, of which 18 months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. An additional 24 months were suspended on condition that he restitutes the victims US$8,165 by July 30, 2025 - leaving him to serve an effective 42 months behind bars.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) welcomed the ruling, saying it sends a strong message to fraudsters who exploit public trust for personal enrichment.
"This case highlights the severe consequences of abusing people's hopes and needs for financial gain," said the NPAZ in a statement.
Source - NewZimbabwe
