‘ZACC warns laboratories over issuance of fake Covid-19 test certificates’ 26 January 2020

THE Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) has warned laboratory centres which are issuing fake Covid-19 certificates that the net is closing in on them. Following widespread reports of a scam involving private laboratory centres which are issuing fake Covid-19 test results across the country, the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission – (ZACC) has dispatched a crack team to investigate the issue. Speaking to ZBC news this Tuesday, ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure warned that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with those involved in this scam.

“We have received reports that there are some laboratories are involved in the issuance of fake covid-19 certificates, The commission would like to warn such perpetrators that the long arm of law will soon catch up with them. Also, we have reports that the staff from government institutions are involved in the selling of PPEs,” he said. In one of the messages circulating on social media, it is alleged that a traveller took three COVID-19 tests in 72 hours and received two negative results, with a positive outcome coming from a local laboratory PCR test.

Allegations point to the involvement of staff members who are accused of soliciting for bribes to change test results. The warning by ZACC comes at a time when a number of individuals have been brought before the courts on allegations related to the issuance of fake Covid-19 certificates, with the latest being Carol Guzha who are appeared in court this Tuesday.