Mpilo bogus doctor caged 5 and half years

A man who spent two years posing as a qualified medical doctor - defrauding patients and promising fake nursing placements at Mpilo Central Hospital - has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison.

Prosper Vanhuvaone was convicted on three counts of fraud and one count of impersonation following a full trial before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura. His fraudulent activities, which shocked the medical fraternity, involved treating unsuspecting patients and operating under the guise of a legitimate medical professional within hospital premises.

Two years of Vanhuvaone's sentence were suspended on the condition that he pays restitution of US$8,165 to his victims. He will serve an effective three-and-a-half years behind bars.

In addition to defrauding patients, Vanhuvaone was also found guilty of robbing one complainant of US$10 and a cellphone in Dangamvura.

The sentencing hearing was marked by emotional scenes, with several victims - many of whom had received bogus medical treatment or were deceived by false job promises - present in the courtroom.

In a plea for leniency, Vanhuvaone claimed he had once enrolled in medical school but dropped out due to peer pressure. He insisted that he had since tried to live a productive life.

"I own a car, have US$1,800 in savings, a house in North End, and run a private company. I am a family man and provide for my children," he told the court, asking for a non-custodial sentence.

However, lead prosecutor Mr Samuel Mpofu argued that a custodial sentence was necessary to protect public safety and deter similar conduct.

"This is a matter of national interest," said Mr Mpofu. "Vanhuvaone has used multiple identities in the past, including the name Prosper Mpofu. He endangered lives and eroded public confidence in Mpilo Central Hospital. A non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message."

The court heard that Vanhuvaone managed to establish an office within Mpilo Central Hospital and even attended to patients at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), successfully evading detection for nearly two years.

His arrest at Mpilo triggered internal investigations, ultimately revealing the full scope of his deception.

Reacting to the case, Mpilo Central Hospital chief medical officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga said the institution was appalled at how Vanhuvaone had infiltrated the hospital and operated under false pretences.

"We deeply regret this incident. It endangered patients and severely damaged our reputation. We are reviewing our internal protocols and urging the public to remain alert," Dr Dzvanga said.

Vanhuvaone's case has since sparked a national debate around systemic loopholes in healthcare institutions and the need for tighter controls and background checks to safeguard public health.