Zimbabwean Patient Claims SA Hospital Blocked His Release Over R20,000 Bill

By Staff Reporter

A Zimbabwean man has alleged that a South African public hospital refused to allow him to leave after he was medically discharged, citing an outstanding medical bill of R20,000.

According to Sechaba Times, Owen Sosa was admitted to Moses Kotane Hospital on 30 January 2026. Doctors later cleared him for discharge, confirming that he was fit to leave the facility.

However, Sosa claims hospital staff informed him that he would not be permitted to leave until he made payment arrangements.

Discharge Cleared — But Payment Required

Following his discharge, discussions were reportedly held with hospital management. A nurse on duty allegedly told Sosa that he could not exit the hospital without settling the debt.

Hospital officials are said to have instructed him to pay at least 50% of the R20,000 upfront before being allowed to leave.

Sosa further claims he does not understand how the medical charges accumulated to that amount. He also alleges that the hospital has not provided him with a detailed breakdown of the bill.

Legal and Ethical Questions Raised

The case has sparked debate over patient rights after medical discharge. Observers are questioning whether a healthcare facility can legally restrict a patient’s movement over unpaid medical fees.

The incident has also reignited discussion around how foreign nationals are billed within South Africa’s public healthcare system. Critics argue that non-citizens may face stricter financial enforcement measures.

Patient rights advocates warn that preventing a discharged patient from leaving over debt could raise serious legal and ethical concerns, including potential coercion.

Awaiting Hospital Response

The South African Times has reached out to Moses Kotane Hospital for clarification regarding its discharge and billing policies.

At the time of publication, the hospital had not responded.