Woman vows celibacy until jailed 'fake doctor' fiancé is freed

In a poignant tale of love tested by crime and conviction, 23-year-old Hazel Mangwiro has vowed to remain celibate until the release of her fiancé, Taurai "Prosper" Vanhuvaone, a man recently jailed for posing as a medical doctor and defrauding numerous victims.

Vanhuvaone was convicted on March 20 this year - the very day Hazel made her heartfelt commitment. His conviction stems from a sophisticated two-year scam in which he posed as a doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital, treated patients without qualifications, and fraudulently offered fake nursing placements. He was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison, with two years suspended on condition of restitution, leaving him to serve three-and-a-half years behind bars.

Despite the serious charges, Hazel remains unshaken in her loyalty.

"It's not an easy decision, but it feels right," she told reporters. "Prosper and I share a deep connection… I want our first time together after his release to be special - a symbol of our commitment and the journey we've been through."

Hazel and Vanhuvaone's romance began in July last year, blossoming from casual kombi encounters in their neighbourhood to heartfelt dates. Their first date, Hazel recalls fondly, was a drive to the airport filled with "honest conversation and laughter." It was during their courtship that Vanhuvaone told her he was a medical student - a claim that would later be proven false.

Despite the revelations, Hazel insists her love is genuine and unwavering.

"I know people might think I'm young and naïve, but I'm in love with him. I believe he's innocent, and I'll wait for him. Nothing will separate us."

Hazel continues to visit him regularly in prison and says she's channeling her energy into self-care, spending time with loved ones, and maintaining hope for their shared future.

Vanhuvaone's conviction followed shocking revelations that he had established an unauthorised office within Mpilo Central Hospital, where he posed as a legitimate doctor. He even attended to patients at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), all while defrauding individuals through promises of nursing school placements in exchange for cash.

Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Eva Matura found him guilty on three counts of fraud and one of impersonation. The court heard how he operated under multiple aliases, including Prosper Mpofu, and had collected over US$8,165 from victims.

In mitigation, Vanhuvaone pleaded for leniency, claiming he was a former medical student who dropped out due to peer pressure. He said he was now a reformed man with assets, a company, and plans for a family life.

But prosecutor Samuel Mpofu warned against showing mercy.

"This case is of national interest. Granting a non-custodial sentence would endanger public lives. His actions have eroded confidence in the healthcare system," said Mpofu.

The scandal has rocked Mpilo Central Hospital, prompting internal reviews. Chief Medical Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga expressed deep regret over the breach, promising stricter vetting and monitoring protocols to prevent similar infiltrations.

"We are reviewing our systems to ensure this never happens again. We urge the public to remain vigilant," Dr Dzvanga said.

For Hazel, however, the headlines and judgment mean little. She continues to believe in Vanhuvaone's innocence and envisions a future together, undeterred by public scrutiny.

"It's about supporting Prosper, staying true to myself, and building a future together, brick by brick," she said. "Our love is worth fighting for."

As Vanhuvaone begins his prison term, Hazel's vow stands as a striking reminder of how love and loyalty can endure - even in the most unlikely of circumstances.