A Bulawayo man who pretended to be a doctor at Mpilo Central Hospital has failed to overturn his prison sentence. High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi dismissed Taurai Prosper Vanhuvaone’s appeal against his punishment.
Vanhuvaone, who used the name Prosper Mpofu, was 29 when he committed the offences. In 2025, the court convicted him of fraud, impersonating a medical professional and unlawfully prescribing medication.
The court imposed a seven-year prison sentence, partly suspended on condition that he compensated his victims. Consequently, he faces an effective 42 months behind bars.
However, Vanhuvaone challenged the sentence through lawyer Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers, instructed by Tanaka Muganyi. He wanted the sentences to run concurrently, which could have reduced his time in prison.
Justice Mutevedzi, sitting alongside Justice Bongani Ndlovu, rejected the appeal. He argued that the State had already shown considerable leniency towards the convicted man.
“The prosecutors were very lenient with the appellant. He was a lucky man. What he did is no different from practising law without qualification, duping desperate people in need of services,” he said.
Judge Rejects Bid to Reduce Prison Sentence
Justice Mutevedzi also dismissed Vanhuvaone’s argument for concurrent sentences. He explained that the offences occurred over several years, rather than simultaneously.
“There is no law stipulating such. That was a discretion of the court, and you don’t appeal against a discretion. These offences were not concurrent; they were committed over years,” he said.
Furthermore, the judge highlighted the potential consequences of allowing an unqualified person to treat patients. Vanhuvaone had reportedly visited the hospital for years while treating patients and prescribing medication.
“He was lucky to get only 42 months. He had been going to that hospital for years, treating patients and prescribing medication. Imagine if it was you, going to the hospital and getting treated by somebody who may not even have an Ordinary Level,” he said.
The judge also questioned Vanhuvaone’s credibility during the trial. The court heard that he gave conflicting accounts of his alleged medical education.
Vanhuvaone initially claimed he studied at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). However, a university witness disputed his claim.
He later alleged that he attended a South African university, which the court found did not exist. He also referred to an institution called Medusa.
“We read and re-read that case record. The appellant admitted to the court that he had no qualifications,” Justice Mutevedzi said.
“I thoroughly looked for that university and I could not find it and that shows he is a liar. I have never heard of that university.”
Fake Prescription Exposed His Deception
The court also heard how Vanhuvaone allegedly targeted a nurse-aide student seeking professional attachment. He defrauded her of US$1,600 after promising to arrange her placement at Mpilo Central Hospital.
In another incident, he issued a suspicious prescription containing unusual instructions involving lacto and fruits, including apples and grapes. The prescription attracted doctors’ attention and ultimately exposed his deception.
Justice Mutevedzi warned that people who impersonate medical professionals pose a serious threat to society.
“Such people are a danger to society. If he hadn’t been caught, how many more people would have fallen victim?”
The court found that Vanhuvaone’s actions extended beyond financial fraud. His conduct also threatened public confidence in the medical services provided at Mpilo Central Hospital.
Ultimately, the High Court dismissed his appeal, leaving his effective 42-month prison sentence unchanged.
The post Bulawayo Fake Doctor Loses Appeal as Judge Says He Was “Lucky” to Get 42 Months appeared first on iHarare News.
