Sante 24 Private Hospital in Southerton is facing legal action after an amputated human leg was allegedly discovered at a Chitungwiza dumping site, raising serious questions about the hospital’s handling of medical waste and environmental responsibility.
The shocking discovery was made last week when an unidentified woman searching for recyclable materials reportedly came across the partially burnt limb wrapped in bandages.
Used syringes, gloves and other medical waste were also reportedly found scattered around the site.
Police investigations have established that the limb allegedly belonged to a 71-year-old man who underwent a below-the-knee amputation in August while receiving treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer.
According to police, the hospital’s waste container containing the amputated limb was allegedly mixed up with 29 other waste bins that were handed over to Rajiv Makaza for disposal on September 6.
The incident has raised concerns over how medical waste was transported from Sante 24 in Southerton and ultimately ended up at a public dumping site in Chitungwiza.
Human tissue and medical waste require specialised handling, making the alleged disposal at an ordinary dumping site a serious environmental and public health concern.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said investigations were continuing.
“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,” said Insp Chakanza.
The amputated limb has since been transferred to Chitungwiza Central Hospital Mortuary, where it is being kept as investigations continue.
The case raises questions about the chain of responsibility, including who authorised the disposal, how the waste was transported, where it was supposed to be taken and what procedures were followed before the waste left the hospital.
It also raises broader concerns about the environmental obligations of private healthcare institutions. Hospitals handle hazardous materials and human tissue and are expected to ensure that such waste does not endanger communities or contaminate the environment.
The alleged journey of medical waste from a private hospital in Southerton to a public dumping site in Chitungwiza has therefore placed the hospital under scrutiny over its waste-management practices.
Hurumende News Hub contacted Sante 24 Private Hospital seeking comment on the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the disposal of the human remains.
However, at the time of publication, the hospital had not responded to the request for comment.
The allegations against Sante 24 have not yet been tested in court, and the ongoing investigation is expected to establish where responsibility for the alleged improper disposal lies.