By Richard Shumba
Gweru Provincial Hospital Superintendent Dr Fabion Mashingaidze has refuted circulating claims that jailed medical practitioner Farikai Manjeya, who is facing charges of possessing dangerous drugs, has been suspended from work.
This comes after social media platforms have been flooded with assertions that Dr. Manjeya had been formally suspended by the Gweru Provincial Hospital pending disciplinary proceedings.
Speaking to this publication, Dr Mashingaidze said the rumors were baseless, adding that the case was still under official inquiry.
“To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of suspension papers that were served to Dr Manjeya, and according to the hospital procedures, the issue can only be dealt with once the courts have finished their investigations,” he said.
However, the GPH boss said that Dr Manjeya had only been given a directive barring him from reporting for work until the legal process is finalised.
“Dr Manjeya was only served with a letter indicating that he should not report for duty until this matter is resolved by the courts,” he said.
He further emphasised that disciplinary action will only be instituted against Dr Manjeya after the court proceedings have concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Manjeya, who has denied the charges he is facing, is currently detained alongside his three co-accused, Tafara Chigoya (28), Kudakwashe Godknows Mutata (29) and Tariro Pambwa (35), for allegedly possessing methamphetamine.
The quartet was arrested after police detectives received a tipoff about suspected drug activities at the doctors’ cottages in Gweru, where the first accused resides and works as a medical doctor.
On 9 November 2025, detectives raided the premises and reportedly found the four smoking crystal meth using J-pipes and cigarette lighters, resulting in their immediate arrest.
The J-pipes, lighter, and an empty sachet were confiscated, and all four suspects were taken into custody.
They were later remanded in custody awaiting a bail hearing.
