28 year old nurse, Skhumbuzo Sdumo Manana, who worked at the Parkhurst Clinic appeared at the Booysens Magistrates Court on Monday. He was subsequently released on R3000 bail and is expected to appear again in court on the 17th September 2021
Mr Manana faces charges of the Contravention of the Medicines and Related Activities Act, fraud, uttering and possession of suspected stolen goods.
It is unfortunately not unusual for public officials in South Africa to be involved in corruption and crime. Whether driving on South African roads, dealing with Home Affairs offices, traffic fines among other issues, South Africans are quite aware of how relatively easy it is for people to bypass laws and processes. That people are reporting this type of corruption may be an indication of the public’s desire for officials to adhere to the law, in addition to the public’s heightened awareness of COVID-19 in this case.
Mr Manana was arrested last weekend for allegedly selling and issuing fake Covid-19 negative test certificates to travelers for an amount of R500.
The City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department received a tip-off about Manana’s dealings. The team investigated the allegations and with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) arranged a sting operation, which led to his arrest at his place of residence.
Manana will also be facing an internal disciplinary process for his actions.
The City is calling on residents who might have information regarding the sale of fake Covid-19 negative test certificates to please come forward and report it through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS, at: 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
