A private hospital in Southerton, Harare, Sante 24 Hospital, is facing allegations of unlawfully dumping an amputated human leg and other medical waste at a rubbish site in Chitungwiza.
According to H-Metro, the leg was discovered last week, partially burnt and wrapped in bandages, alongside syringes, gloves and assorted medical waste scattered across the dumping site. It was found by an unidentified woman who had been scavenging for recyclable plastics.
Police investigations revealed that the leg belonged to a 71-year-old man and had been amputated below the knee as part of treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer, with the procedure understood to have taken place in August.
Police said that on 6 September 2026, the hospital’s waste container holding the limb was mistakenly included among 29 bins handed over to Rajiv Makaza for disposal.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed that the body part is currently being held at Chitungwiza Central Hospital Mortuary, pending the finalisation of the case.
“Investigations are underway. The hospital will be charged for contravening Section 70(1), as read with Section 70(5) of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 20:27, for unlawfully discharging, disposing of, causing or permitting the disposal of health-care waste in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, pollution to the environment and ill health to persons,” Inspector Chakanza said.
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