AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER

A City of Johannesburg health worker, who was busted for selling fake COVID-19 negative certificates for travellers for R500, is expected to appear in court today.

The yet-unnamed worker, who was stationed at Parkhurst Clinic, is expected to appear in court, where he will face fraud charges.

According to the City, the worker was closely monitored for over a week and was arrested during a sting operation which was led by the City Executive Mayor Jolidee Matongo working with the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

In a statement, the City said: It is alleged that the suspect sells the fake Covid-19 negative test certificates to people wishing to travel to other countries without conducting the actual test and taking blood samples.  All you need to do is send him your identity number, after a day or two you will receive a message from the laboratory indicating that you tested negative for Covid-19.  He will then give you the certificate which he charges R500.”

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspect was not working alone.  More suspects are expected to be arrested as the investigation is ongoing.

Matongo said, “It’s quite unfortunate, we don’t need such people in our system.  We would like to encourage our staff not to engage in such corrupt activities because it compromises the whole country.  Imagine someone who has contracted Covid and they are given a certificate that says they are negative.  That person will infect many people and some may succumb to the virus.

“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.”

Source: African Mirror