A scandal has rocked Chitungwiza Central Hospital after two student nurses, Paidamoyo Samantha Muchira and Makanaka Chatikobo, were found to have enrolled in the nursing program using fake Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) O-Level certificates. The deception was uncovered during routine verification with ZIMSEC, raising questions about the vetting process and the authenticity of documents.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that investigations were underway, and the suspects were still at large. “Police are investigating a fraud case involving student nurses at a hospital. The total value defrauded is yet to be supplied. The accused persons were not arrested,” he said.
The hospital’s Public Relations Manager, Audrey Tasaranarwo, expressed concern about the incident, stating that the certificates looked genuine. “We had two students who supplied fake certificates. The hospital discovered the fraudulent act after verifying the certificates with ZIMSEC. Those behind the printing must also be brought to book,” she added.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter vetting procedures in public training institutions to prevent similar cases in the future. Authorities are appealing for public assistance to locate the two individuals, and the matter continues to draw attention from law enforcement and education stakeholders.
As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain unanswered. How did the fake certificates pass initial screening? What measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents? The outcome of this case will likely have implications for the nursing profession and the vetting process in public institutions.
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