Bulawayo’s fitness scene is abuzz with disbelief after the revelation that Prosper Mpofu, known to many as Taurai Prosper Vanhuvaone, is the alleged fake doctor who defrauded a woman of $200.
This shocking revelation has left those who knew him at various gyms in the city reeling, questioning how a man who spent his days pumping iron could also be a conman posing as a medical professional.
“It was a shock to see that he was the fake doctor that everyone was raving about,” said a gym instructor at a local gym who spoke to Sunday News on condition of anonymity.
“Around 2020, he started doing a nurse aide course so we were now wondering how he had somehow managed to get qualifications as a doctor in such a short space of time. Everyone here did not know about him as a medical professional. I think this was his identity for those outside of the gymnasiums.”
While many were surprised by Vanhuvaone’s alleged deception, those who knew him at the gym were not shocked that he was accused of criminality. The instructor revealed that Vanhuvaone had a history of alleged theft, being thrown out of two gyms for stealing mobile phones and even a shirt from fellow gym-goers.
“He was thrown out of Barberton and Dynamics because he allegedly stole people’s phones while they were working out. He is someone who was accused of taking another person’s shirt in the gym. In the beginning, I used to train him but after I realised that he was a suspected thief, I let him go. This is why it is not surprising for me that he did something like this because he is capable of doing anything,” said the instructor.
It seems Vanhuvaone carefully compartmentalised his life, presenting different personas to different groups. On social media, he marketed himself as an “alpha male”, a disciple of the controversial Andrew Tate, known for his controversial views on masculinity.
Vanhuvaone’s Instagram bio proudly proclaimed his “alpha male” status, showcasing his muscular physique but making no mention of his supposed medical profession.
“People at the gym would laugh at you if you told them that he is a doctor. We just knew him as a guy that sold muscle drugs to some of our patrons,” said the instructor.
The revelation has left many wondering how Vanhuvaone, once a choirboy and aspiring musician, could have transformed into a conman. Those who knew him from his younger years are struggling to reconcile the image of the devout Salvation Army member with the alleged fraudster.
“Those who knew him from his earlier days are shocked because this is not the young man they knew growing up. We always thought of him as someone who would continue walking a righteous path,” said a church member.
Another gym instructor, who had been observing Vanhuvaone’s behaviour, noted a recent shift in his demeanor. He began mimicking the habits of doctors, frequenting bars and wearing glasses, even though he had not worn them before.
“He was drinking every day and you would never fail to find him at a bar, drinking ciders mostly like most doctors do. He also started wearing glasses like most of them do, something that he did not do when he first started coming to the gym,” said the instructor.
The instructor also revealed that Vanhuvaone had a twin brother in Harare, who is a genuine medical doctor.
“We think he was using the fact that his brother is an actual doctor to convince people that he is also one. It is unfortunate because his brother, as far as we know, is someone who does things legitimately.”
