City of Jo’burg health worker arrested for selling Covid-19 negative certificates

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Photo: City of Jo’burg

While struggling to contain the spread of Covid-19 and trying to convince people in taking a vaccine jab, government still finds itself having to fight criminals working against their efforts to minimize the spread.

This follows recent developments where a health worker at the City of Johannesburg clinic who was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly selling fake Covid-19 negative test certificates to travelers for R500.

In a statement released by the City, the 28 years old suspect who cannot but named yet, required ID of the applicant and R500, certificate will then be made and you are ready for collection.

“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 for which he charges R500,” said Lucky Sindane, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg’s forensic and investigation services unit.

Accompanying the law enforcement agencies in this operation was the newly elected Joburg Mayor Jolidee Matongo who said preliminary investigations also revealed that the arrested suspect was not working alone and they hope to make further arrests.

He added that such people do not deserve mercy and example should be made of them to show that no corruption will be allowed in the system.

He further encouraged the public and staff members to report such matters to law enforcement agencies.

The suspect will make an appearance at the Booysens Magistrates Court on Monday.