Medical Worker Arrested Over Fake Covid-19 Certificates

A bio-medical technologist at the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for allegedly issuing fake Covid-19 travellers’ certificates. 

ACC public relations manager Timoth Moono told reporters that Kingsley Kakoma had been arrested for the illegal issuance of Travellers’ Medical Certification for Covid-19, contrary to Statutory Instruments No.21 and 22 under the Public Health Act. 

Mr Kakoma, who was arrested following a tip-off from the public, was found to be in possession of K2,250 in cash as well as five blank Covid-19 clearance certificates, which were pre-signed and marked negative. The certificates bore a stamp from the Zambia Institute of Public Health.

He was also in possession of 86 preservation solution tubes and 50 sample collection swabs, among other items. 

Mr Kakoma has since been released on bond. The ACC say they are aware of at least one successful sale in which he received K800 from a student who was scheduled to travel abroad for his studies.