ZACC Investigation Exposes Rot In Zimbabwe Nurse Recruitment

An investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has uncovered a web of bribes and nepotism at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, casting a harsh light on the flaws at the heart of nurse recruitment in Zimbabwe.

At the centre of the scandal is senior tutor Mushongahande, who was recently arrested after allegedly demanding more than US$1,500 from an aspiring nursing student in exchange for a place at the hospital’s nursing school—a vacancy that never existed.

ZACC investigators say that when Mushongahande’s phone was seized, it revealed a trove of incriminating evidence, including messages with applicants, proof of illicit payments, and coordination with other staff members.

Mushongahande spent two nights in detention before being granted bail. During questioning, he reportedly implicated other staff, including the medical superintendent, Dr Collet Mawire, prompting further seizures of phones and documents as the investigation widened.

One ZACC official, speaking to The Herald on condition of anonymity, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Said the official:

“Some of the staff’s cellphones were seized recently. Upon search, they show they were sending interview questions to some applicants. This shows clear favouritism and prejudice against others.”

According to several aspiring nurses interviewed by Zimpapers, bribe amounts typically ranged from US$1,200 to US$1,500.

The scandal’s implications extend well beyond Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, touching other nursing schools across the country.

The corrupt practices revealed suggest a system rigged in favour of those who can pay, where interviews, shortlisting, and admissions are determined not by merit or need, but by money.

However, Dr Mawire insisted that the selection process for aspiring nurses was rigorous and secure, with no loopholes for corruption or bribery. Said Mawire:

“There are no cases of bribery involving our staff because the selection committee is made up of senior staff who are of the highest professional integrity.

“If, indeed, money is exchanging hands, it could be happening, but it might be outsiders masquerading as hospital authorities. This has to be investigated, and culprits brought to book.”