A Limpopo nurse is out on R1000 bail after she was arrested for selling antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs for R7500 earlier this week.
Mokgadi Monica Ramusi, 44, an assistant nurse at the Makgato Clinic in Botlokwa outside Polokwane, was arrested on Tuesday by members of the Hawks' Anti-Corruption Unit following a tip-off.
Ramusi was allegedly selling ARV tablets to Polokwane residents.
Acting on the tip-off, police set up a trap and an officer working undercover approached Ramusi who reportedly tried to sell him 24 sealed bottles containing ARVs for R7500.
Ramusi was then arrested and charged with theft and unlawful possession of ARVs. According to preliminary police investigations, Ramusi was selling each bottle for R300.
The Polokwane Magistrate's Court released her on R1000 bail and ordered her to return to court on August 18 pending further investigation .
Yesterday, Ramusi' slawyer, Pamela Nkondo argued that his client's image would be harmed if members of the public took pictures of her.
"My client should be presumed innocent until she is proven guilty by the court. I object to pictures of her being taken in court because they may tarnish her image and integrity," Nkondo said.
Nkondo told magistrate Michael Mamabolo he did not have a problem with pictures of his client being taken outside of court.
"I have no objection to pictures of my client being taken outside of this courtroom. I will not have a problem with photographers being allowed in on her next appearance," he said.
Mamabolo agreed.
Nkondo further argued his client had not received an application for photographers to be allowed in the court.
According to the Hawks' provincial spokesman, Captain Matimba Maluleke, investigations were still being conducted to determine if there were other people who may be involved in similar crimes in the area.
"We are worried that the suspect's duty is to give ARVs to patients, but she decided to steal them and make extra cash," Maluleke said.
Head of anti-fraud and corruption in the provincial health department, Curry Letsoalo, warned employees against stealing.
"The department is advising all its employees to refrain from all the unethical conduct as prescribed by a Code of Conduct of Public Service and Administration," Letsoalo said.
Provincial health department spokesman Derrick Kganyago said Ramusi would be given a "precautionary" suspension.
Kganyago said they did not have a shortage of medicines or drugs in their depots, but added that they would intensify their audit for drugs "because we have realised that they are not carefully monitored".
"We will work together with law enforcement agencies to investigate any form of theft or criminal activity inthedepartment,"Kganyago said.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
Nurse bust for selling ARVs
A Limpopo nurse is out on R1000 bail after she was arrested for selling antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs for R7500 earlier this week.
Mokgadi Monica Ramusi, 44, an assistant nurse at the Makgato Clinic in Botlokwa outside Polokwane, was arrested on Tuesday by members of the Hawks' Anti-Corruption Unit following a tip-off.
Ramusi was allegedly selling ARV tablets to Polokwane residents.
Acting on the tip-off, police set up a trap and an officer working undercover approached Ramusi who reportedly tried to sell him 24 sealed bottles containing ARVs for R7500.
Ramusi was then arrested and charged with theft and unlawful possession of ARVs. According to preliminary police investigations, Ramusi was selling each bottle for R300.
The Polokwane Magistrate's Court released her on R1000 bail and ordered her to return to court on August 18 pending further investigation .
Yesterday, Ramusi' slawyer, Pamela Nkondo argued that his client's image would be harmed if members of the public took pictures of her.
"My client should be presumed innocent until she is proven guilty by the court. I object to pictures of her being taken in court because they may tarnish her image and integrity," Nkondo said.
Nkondo told magistrate Michael Mamabolo he did not have a problem with pictures of his client being taken outside of court.
"I have no objection to pictures of my client being taken outside of this courtroom. I will not have a problem with photographers being allowed in on her next appearance," he said.
Mamabolo agreed.
Nkondo further argued his client had not received an application for photographers to be allowed in the court.
According to the Hawks' provincial spokesman, Captain Matimba Maluleke, investigations were still being conducted to determine if there were other people who may be involved in similar crimes in the area.
"We are worried that the suspect's duty is to give ARVs to patients, but she decided to steal them and make extra cash," Maluleke said.
Head of anti-fraud and corruption in the provincial health department, Curry Letsoalo, warned employees against stealing.
"The department is advising all its employees to refrain from all the unethical conduct as prescribed by a Code of Conduct of Public Service and Administration," Letsoalo said.
Provincial health department spokesman Derrick Kganyago said Ramusi would be given a "precautionary" suspension.
Kganyago said they did not have a shortage of medicines or drugs in their depots, but added that they would intensify their audit for drugs "because we have realised that they are not carefully monitored".
"We will work together with law enforcement agencies to investigate any form of theft or criminal activity inthedepartment,"Kganyago said.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
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