HEALTH WORKER ARRESTED FOR ARVs

By Bongani Tshabalala

BOTSHABELO- A- 45-year-old male health worker stationed at  section in Botshabelo clinic   is expected to appear before  Botshabelo  magistrate court in the east of Bloemfontein,  soon.

She was arrested on Thursday after found in possession of ARV tablets.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele  the suspect allegedly sold each bottle of ARVs for a R100.

He said  her arrest followed a tip-off from a person taking ARVs to the  Selosesha Tactical Response Team  who acted on an intelligence driven operation at a house in Section C1,Botshabelo.

 Makhele said  whilst searching the house, the Response Team found 102 bottles of ARV tablets valued at R41 200, stamped doctor’s sick notes, doctor’s referral letters and syringes.

“Upon further investigation it emerged that the suspect was allegedly selling ARV tablets to the public. The suspect was arrested and charged under the Possession of Controlled Substances Act 101 of 1965,” said Makhele.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, advised community members to refrain from purchasing medicine that is provided for free by government and not use any medicine that is not dispatched from health facilities.