Eba Kandovazu
A WARNING issued by police officers to a Zimbabwean medicine supplier, Cosmas Mukaratirwa, who is accused of supplying fake medicine to government worth N$ 650 000, did not sit well with a Windhoek Magistrate.
Magistrate Celma Amadhila is demanding answers as to why Mukaratirwa was merely given a warning when he made his first court appearance on Monday at the Windhoek Magistrate’s court. He was arrested on Sunday and subsequently released on a warning.
The suspect, Mukaratirwa who is the Managing Director of Cospharm Group, is accused of selling unregistered medicine to the government’s Central Medial Stores.
“On what basis was the accused released on warning? This is in light of the charges he is facing as well as the amount of money involved,” Magistrate Amadhila questions.
“They were initially under the impression that the accused received money but it later transpired that the money was refunded back. We are still in the process of finding out what exactly transpired in this matter,” Mukaratirwa’s lawyer tells the court.
Mukaratirwa was reportedly arrested at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. State Prosecutor Tatelo Lusepani indicates that the former has been charged in relation to the contravention of section 18(1) of the Medicine and Related Substance Control Act of 2003 as amended.
Lusepani says four more witness statements are outstanding in the matter. The matter returns to court next January.
