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Parkhurst Clinic nurse granted bail after selling Covid-19 negative test certificates
JOBURG – The City is calling on residents who might have information regarding the sale of fake Covid-19 negative test certificates to contact them.
Parkhurst Clinic professional nurse, Skhumbuzo Sdumo Manana (28) appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on August 23 following charges of the Contravention of the Medicines and Related Activities Act, fraud, uttering and possession of suspected stolen goods.
The City said that preliminary investigations have revealed that Manana is not working alone. More suspects are expected to be arrested as the investigation is ongoing.
In a released statement, the City of Johannesburg said, “He was arrested last weekend for allegedly selling and issuing fake Covid-19 negative test certificates to travellers for an amount of R500. The City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department received a complaint about Manana’s dealings. The team immediately investigated the allegations and arranged a sting operation working with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) which led to his arrest at his place of residence.
“We hope that law enforcement agencies will send the suspect to prison for a long time, we need to set an example and send a strong message to people who are doing this. If the laws of this country have to be changed to deal with such, let us do that,” Executive Mayor Jolidee Matongo added.
Manana was released on R3 000 bail. He is also expected to appear again in court on September 17.
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Manana will apparently also face an internal disciplinary process for his actions. (Attempts to contact the clinic for comment have proved futile at this stage.)
The City added that corruption has no place in the City. They will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions within the criminal justice system to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
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 through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
