Staffers at Harare Hospital (Sally Mugabe Hospital) and Chitungwiza Hospital are reportedly taking bribes from desperate travelers wishing to travel out of the country and issuing them fake COVID-19 certificates without conducting tests, The Heralds.
The syndicate which reportedly involves laboratory staff, nurses, and security guards at both hospitals is charging between $20 and $40 for a test that usually costs anything between $60 and $70 at approved laboratories.
The matter came to light when the publication embarked on an investigation following a tip-off. 4 reporters were deployed to both hospitals where they discovered they could obtain the COVID-19 certificates from the syndicates.
The reporters managed to get the COVID-19 free certificate from the syndicate without being tested and after just paying $20.
When contacted for comment the Deputy Health Minister Dr. John Mangwiro said those who are involved in the scandal will face the full wrath of the law:
I am now liaising with the permanentsecretary so that we start conducting investigations.
More: The Herald