Five arrested in Solwezi over fake medical fitness certificates

Five individuals have been arrested in Solwezi for allegedly producing and using counterfeit medical fitness certificates, which are officially issued only by the Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) after medical examinations.

OHSI Senior Public Relations Officer, Elezeti Nyambi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, identifying the suspects as Jonathan Kapusu of Kimasala, Joseph Kainda of Kyawama Township, and Josphat Kalolu, John Mapulanga, and Lusika Sipalo Wamulume, all from Muzabula area.

Investigations revealed that the suspects were selling fake medical fitness certificates for K400 each, bypassing the mandatory health assessment process. Two suspects were involved in producing the fraudulent documents, while three were found in possession of the counterfeits.

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The suspects, initially remanded at Solwezi Central Police Station, have since been released on police bond and are expected to appear in court soon.

OHSI Executive Director, Dr. Martha Chakulimba, expressed concern over the rising cases of fake certification in Solwezi, warning that the practice endangers workers in the mining industry.

“When unfit individuals perform tasks they are not medically cleared for, they put both lives and property at risk,” she said.

Chakulimba urged employers to verify workers’ medical certificates with OHSI and encouraged the public to undergo proper medical examinations.

She also announced plans for a nationwide verification exercise to identify and prosecute those using fraudulent medical fitness certificates.

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