Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico
Ncube, confirmed the arrest of Prosper Mpofu (29) to the Chronicle.
“On 17 August at around 11am, a 25-year-old woman from
Magwegwe suburb in Bulawayo called Mpofu for medical services after being
referred to him by her friend. Mpofu agreed to the appointment and told her to
go to Mpilo Hospital and bring US$120, which she did,” said Insp Ncube.
He said Mpofu examined the woman and wrote a prescription
that included an injection. Mpofu then asked for the money on the pretext that
he would buy the medication on her behalf.
“She gave him US$100. Mpofu returned with some medication
and an injection, which he administered to the patient. The following day, the
patient returned to Mpilo Hospital where she paid a balance of US$20 to Mpofu.
No receipts were provided on either occasion,” said Inspector Ncube.
He said the woman’s condition did not improve and she
informed Mpofu, who told her to return on 17 September for a review. Mpofu told
the woman to bring more money as he wanted to change the medication.
“At around 6:30am, a nurse on duty met the woman in the
casualty ward and asked if she could help her. The patient then indicated that
her medical cards were taken by Mpofu,” said Inspector Ncube.
The nurse suspected something was amiss and asked the woman
to show her the doctor.
“Some moments later, the patient managed to identify the
doctor and showed him to the nurse. The nurse requested the patient’s cards
from Mpofu and observed that the prescription had inadequate information. The
nurse then interviewed him, and he claimed to be working at United Bulawayo
Hospital,” said Inspector Ncube.
He said staff at Mpilo Hospital made efforts to ascertain
Mpofu’s credentials and discovered that he was a fraud.
“The nurse then reported the matter to the police, leading
to his arrest. We commend the vigilance of the informant nurse who saved the
life not only of the patient in question but many who could fall for the same
fraudster,” said Inspector Ncube.
Ayas 
Samanyika 
