Four Harare nurses employed by Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) accused of defrauding the health and reproductive health parastatal of medical supplies and services worth over $91 000 were recently acquitted. Fortunate Nyahuye (38), Dzingai Mhene (31), Tendai Murwira (25) and Precious Tachiveyi (24) were accused of conniving to reopen Spillhouse Clinic unit after it had been closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
However, Harare magistrate Mr Milton Serima ruled that evidence led in court did not link the four to the offence.
It was alleged that during the period between 24 December 2013 and 3 January 2014, the quartet opened the clinic, prejudicing the health facility of $36 900 in administration fees. It was further alleged that they received drugs from National Pharmaceuticals worth $14 200 which they sold and converted the money to their own use.
They were also supplied drugs by Harare Central Hospital worth $19 200, it was alleged.
The quartet was also being held accountable for $22 068 worth of drugs which were supposed to have been dispatched to other clinics. Charges were levelled against the four after ZNFPC received information that the accused nurses had opened for business during the festive season.
