Five Zimbabweans Convicted in £300,000 NHS Fraud Scheme in UK

Five Zimbabweans have been convicted in the UK for a £300,000 NHS fraud scheme involving fake refund transactions, with sentencing expected in November (image source)

LONDON – Five Zimbabwean nationals have been convicted in the United Kingdom for their roles in a £300,000 (US$365,000) fraud and money laundering scheme targeting the National Health Service (NHS), following a six-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

The scheme was orchestrated by Edias Mazambani (42), a credit controller at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. Prosecutors revealed that Mazambani abused his privileged access to NHS financial systems to process fake refund requests linked to patient funds. “Mazambani used his access to confidential financial data to steal over £218,000 and attempt a further £84,000,” said Ben Harrison, Head of Operations at the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA).

The fraud was uncovered by the hospital’s finance department after staff noticed suspicious refund patterns. A search of Mazambani’s home revealed evidence of the scheme, including forged documents and digital records.

Four other Zimbabweans were convicted of money laundering:

• George Magaya (48) – pleaded guilty to four counts of money laundering.

• Rosemary Magaya (37) and Michelle Tengende (40) – found guilty of laundering NHS funds.

• Sinqobile Pasipanodya (43) – convicted of laundering proceeds linked to the scheme.

All five had previously denied the charges but were found guilty based on forensic financial evidence and digital trails. Sentencing is scheduled for November, with prosecutors seeking custodial terms. The NHSCFA said the case highlights the importance of internal controls and whistleblower mechanisms in public institutions. “This was a serious breach of trust,” said Harrison. “We commend the finance team for their vigilance and swift action.”

The convictions have sparked debate within Zimbabwe’s diaspora community in the UK, with some calling for tighter vetting of public sector employees and better support for migrants facing financial hardship. “This case is a wake-up call,” said UK-based Zimbabwean activist Chipo Mudzviti. “We must uphold integrity wherever we are.”

Zimbabwe’s embassy in London has not issued a formal statement but is reportedly monitoring the case. Legal experts say the convictions may affect future employment prospects for Zimbabwean professionals in the UK’s public sector.