Rumbidzai Mhlanga
A 29-year-old man from Rangemore suburb, Bulawayo, Prosper Mpofu, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a patient at Mpilo Hospital by impersonating a doctor. Mpofu, who posed as a medical practitioner, is accused of charging a patient a total of USD$140.00 under false pretence.
According to a police statement, the incident unfolded on August 17, 2024, when a 25-year-old female from Magwegwe, Bulawayo, approached Mpofu for medical services at the hospital after being referred by a friend. Mpofu examined the patient and prescribed medication, including an injection, for which he demanded USD$120.00. The patient complied and handed over the money for the medication.
Later, Mpofu returned with the medication, administered the injection, and on the following day, requested an additional USD$20.00. Despite the payments, the patient’s condition did not improve. Upon returning for a review on September 17, Mpofu instructed her to pay more money to change the treatment, further raising suspicion.
The breakthrough came after the patient was spotted at the casualty ward by an alert nurse, who, upon noticing an anomaly in the patient’s medical records, questioned her about the treatment she received. When the nurse asked for the medical cards, the patient revealed they had been taken by the alleged doctor. Further probing led to Mpofu’s identification and a thorough check of his credentials.
Mpofu, who claimed to be working at United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH), was subsequently arrested after UBH denied employing anyone by his name. The patient had earlier been told by Mpofu to return for a follow-up review, unaware she had been duped by a fraudster.
Mpofu is expected to appear in court soon. Bulawayo police commended the vigilance of the nurse, which they say potentially saved the life of the patient and could prevent further cases of fraud in the city’s healthcare system.
Provincial spokesperson for Bulawayo,Inspector Abednico Ncube, commended the vigilance of the nurse who uncovered the fraud, stating that her attentiveness not only saved the patient from further harm but also helped prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
