Trainee nurse disappears over fake O' Level certificate

Authorities at Gutu Mission Hospital were left shocked after a final-year trainee nurse allegedly fled the institution overnight upon learning that a verification exercise for O' Level certificates was about to begin.

Sources told The Mirror that the student, identified as Persuade Gomiwa, reportedly absconded from the hospital's nursing school after discovering that his academic credentials were under scrutiny. Gomiwa is accused of enrolling for the nursing programme using a forged certificate showing six passes, while in reality he had only four - one short of the minimum requirement.

The student's bed in one of the hostels was found empty early the next morning, with all his belongings gone.

"It appears he packed his things during the night and left without informing anyone," said a source at the mission. "He seemed to have been tipped off about the upcoming certificate verification."

According to health officials, the case has once again highlighted concerns over corruption and the alleged use of bribes and fake qualifications in the country's nursing school recruitment process. It is widely believed that admission often depends more on payment of "facilitation fees" than on merit.

"It is no secret that getting into nursing school now often depends on paying a US$1,000 bribe," said one hospital insider. "This may explain how such cases of forged certificates occasionally slip through the system."

Gutu Mission Hospital Station Superintendent, Reverend Taru Mugoni, confirmed the student's disappearance but said it was premature to comment on the authenticity of the certificate.

"It is not yet confirmed, and there are verifications to be done by Human Resources, including at provincial offices," Rev Mugoni said.
"The case is still at a premature stage because higher offices are yet to be informed. What I can confirm is that there is a student who did not return to the college, and investigations are ongoing."

Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamhu said although such incidents are rare, any student found using forged certificates is immediately expelled and faces possible arrest.

"There are very few cases of forged certificates," said Dr Shamhu. "In such cases, the ministry conducts disciplinary investigations, and the student automatically discontinues the studies and faces arrest."

Efforts to reach Gomiwa for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was unreachable.

Sources at the school described Gomiwa as a hard-working and competent student who had passed all his courses since enrolling three years ago, despite his questionable academic credentials.

"He was actually one of the better-performing students in class," said a fellow trainee. "It's sad that he might lose everything because of a fake certificate."

The Gutu Mission School of Nursing typically admits around 20 students per intake. The verification process, hospital officials say, will continue to ensure that all trainees meet the required academic standards.