The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has issued a stark warning to residents as it seeks to address the alarming emergence of a fraudulent Facebook page identified as “Doh Kzn”. 

In a statement, the department said the Facebook page falsely presents itself as an official communication platform of the department.

“The department is deeply concerned that this page, which was created just yesterday (Monday, January 10), is using photographs of the KZN Health MEC and purporting to speak on behalf of the department. This is an act of impersonation and potential fraud,” the department said. 

“Of even greater concern is the fact that this page has made serious allegations against a named individual, claiming that he is stealing medication from the department and selling it at his private pharmacy.” 

A visit to the page revealed that the page’s first post was an updated profile picture of KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane. 

This was followed by the post alleging that a pharmacist working in the department and his sister are believed to be selling medication from the department at his private pharmacy. The post claims that Doh Kzn is located in Dannhauser.

Two minutes later, the same post was posted again. The post is made again, seven minutes later. 

Then on Tuesday, Doh Kzn tags the official pages of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and the National Department of Health (South Africa) in a post, where the national department is alerted of the alleged theft. 

The KZN Health Department said it does not know of, and is not associated with, the allegations, and that it is not responsible for the content published on the fake page. Therefore, the department distances itself from the claims and from the page in question. 

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health maintains a zero-tolerance stance against the theft, misuse, or illegal sale of medication, medical supplies, or any state resources. Any such conduct is treated with the utmost seriousness and is dealt with through appropriate disciplinary, legal, and criminal processes,” the department said. 

“To this end, members of the public who may have information regarding the theft or illegal sale of medication are encouraged to report such matters directly to the relevant law enforcement authorities so that they may be properly investigated.

“Should the department uncover any wrongdoing, and where there is credible evidence to support it, the department will communicate this publicly, through its official and verified communication platforms.” 

The department urged the public to disregard the “Doh Kzn” Facebook page and any content posted on it. 

It also reminded the public that the department’s official social media platforms can be readily identified. These platforms are characterised by their long-established online presence, the consistent sharing of authorised multimedia content, and continuous, formal public engagement over many years.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health strongly condemns impersonation, the spreading of unverified information, and any actions that may damage the reputations of individuals or undermine public trust in health institutions,” it said. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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