Two convicted for selling falsified injectable medicines falsely claimed to be “Gammora HIV cure”

The Magistrate’s Court in Mangochi has today convicted two women involved in the illicit sale of falsified injectable medicines falsely claimed to be a cure for HIV.

The first suspect, Mary Saidi (25) of Kalonga Village, T/A Mponda in Mangochi was arrested on Sunday, 3rd March, 2024 in Mangochi while the second suspect, Molly Kainga (34) of Kalilombe Village, T/A Khumbila in Ntcheu was arrested on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024 in Salima after Malawi Police Service (MPS) and Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) launched manhunt of the two following Ticktok adverts in which the two claimed they had permanent cure for HIV.

The two were found to be purchasing vials of gentamicin and from pharmacies within Mangochi town. Subsequently, they would remove the original labels from these vials using methylated spirit and replace them with counterfeit labels, branding the medicines as “Gammora HIV cure” which they later sold to unsuspecting HIV patients at prices ranging from K90,000 to K120,000 per “dose” of three ampoules.

Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande convicted the two on their own plea to six counts under PMRA Act, No. 9 of 2019; HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Management) Act of 9 of 2018; and Penal Code.

The counts include that of tampering with medicine labels contrary to Section 106(1); keeping medicines on unlicensed premises contrary to sections 86 and 95 (1b) of the PMRA Act; dealing in medical supplies without an appropriate pharmaceutical license contrary to section 56 of the PMRA Act; advertising medicinal products without authorization contrary to Section 68 of the PMRA Act; proclaiming, publishing misleading, false or inaccurate information concerning HIV and AIDS contrary to section 25 of HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Management) Act; and obtaining money through theft by trick contrary to section 321 of the penal code.

Sentencing of the two is expected on Tuesday, 12th March, 2024.