Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Two Mhangura nurses who operated an illegal clinic in Mhangura have been fined ZWL$$150 000 each by a Chinhoyi magistrate.
Henry Norbert Mahogo (55) and Mafios Choto (age not given), appeared before Chinhoyi Provincial Magistrate Melody Rwizi to answer charges of contravening the Medicine Allied Substance Control Act.
Mahogo is employed as a registered nurse at Makonde Christian Hospital.
They pleaded guilty to all the charges and were fined $50 000 each for the three counts.
This means that Mahogo and Choto will pay $150 000 each or spend 360 days in prison.
Prosecuting Odrah Chitoro told the court that on 30 July 2021, detectives were on duty in the company of Emmanuel Makotore checking on compliance with pharmaceutical requirements.
Makotore (38), is employed as an Inspector by the Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and his responsibility, inter alia, includes inspection of premises and ensuring compliance to minimum requirements.
Mahogo was visited at his surgery at Hope Clinic where Whisper Mahere was found manning the premises.
Mahere indicated that she was on the premises as a locum nurse and the clinic was owned by Mahogo.
Searches were conducted and there were medicines found which were not registered with MACZ’s category of medicine distribution.
The team of detectives also found expired medicines namely Frusemide 40 mg tablets and Fosure skin cream in contravening of statutory instrument 150/ 1991.
It was also established that Mahogo was unlicensed personnel, practising or carrying out the business of a pharmacist in an unlicensed premise in contravention of the Act.
Mahogo and Choto were represented by Martha Magama of Fortune Murisi law firm.
