Parkhurst Clinic nurse granted bail after selling Covid-19 negative test certificates

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.

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.

---

 

*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).