A Zimbabwean national is allegedly being blocked from leaving a South African hospital over an unpaid medical bill of R20 000. According to Sechaba Times, Owen Sosa was admitted to Moses Kotane Hospital on 30 January 2026.
Doctors later medically discharged him, clearing him to leave the facility. However, hospital staff reportedly refused to release him without payment arrangements.
Discharge granted, payment demanded
Sechaba Times reports that discussions took place with hospital management after the discharge. Subsequently, a nurse on duty allegedly confirmed Sosa could not leave without settling the debt.
Hospital officials reportedly instructed him to pay at least half the bill upfront. Meanwhile, Sosa claims he does not understand how the charges reached R20 000.
He further says the hospital has not provided a detailed billing breakdown.
Legal and ethical concerns emerge
The incident has sparked debate about patient rights after medical discharge. Many question whether hospitals can legally restrict movement over unpaid bills.
Additionally, the case has renewed concerns about foreign nationals in public healthcare. Some critics argue non-citizens may face harsher billing treatment.
Patient rights advocates warn that detaining patients over debt may amount to coercion. They caution against pressuring vulnerable patients into unaffordable payment agreements.
Hospital yet to respond
The South African Times has contacted Moses Kotane Hospital for comment.
The publication requested clarity on discharge and billing policies.
However, the hospital had not responded at the time of publication.
This remains a developing story.
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The post Zimbabwe patient claims he was stopped from leaving SA hospital over R20 000 bill appeared first on iHarare News.
