HARARE — A registered nurse from Mutare, Shamiso Esinath Nyamundanda (née Musafari), has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court accused of orchestrating an insurance fraud scheme using the identities of deceased individuals.
Nyamundanda, 40, who works at Bamba Rural Health Clinic, faces three counts of fraud involving a total of US$15,000.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the nurse allegedly opened life assurance policies using the names of deceased persons between August 2022 and July 2025. She is said to have later claimed US$5,000 per policy, posing as a relative of each deceased individual.
“The accused person also used forged affidavits bearing her handwriting and signature,” said the NPAZ. The money was allegedly deposited directly into her personal bank account.
The scam came to light when an insurance manager noticed irregularities in the paperwork and alerted authorities, leading to Nyamundanda’s arrest.
She was granted US$300 bail and is expected to return to court on December 9 for a routine remand hearing.
In a statement, the NPAZ warned against professional misconduct, stressing that insurance fraud damages public trust and will be prosecuted without leniency.
“Deception for personal gain will not be tolerated. Professionals who abuse positions of trust will be held accountable,” said the NPAZ.
