KZN Nurses Accused Of Cashing In On Fraudulent Insurance Policies After Patient’s Death

Three nurses from Appelsbosch Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal are under investigation after allegedly cashing in on fraudulent funeral policies worth more than R160,000 — all taken out in the name of a deceased patient, 24-year-old Nduduzo Mbatha.

Mbatha, who was wheelchair-bound after being shot in 2023, died suddenly at the hospital in Ndwedwe late last year. His family suspects foul play and has laid fraud charges with the police after gathering evidence with the help of their lawyer over several months.

According to his relatives, three of the four fraudulent insurance policies taken out on Mbatha’s name paid out soon after his death, while legitimate family claims were mysteriously rejected.

Family Speaks Out Amid Fraud and Suspicion

Mbatha’s aunt, Happiness Mbatha-Zama, said the family realised something was wrong when her own funeral policy claim was not honoured.

“I think it’s my insurance that brought this to light because they kept calling my brother. That’s how we found out that Nduduzo had numerous policies in his name by people they suspected were not related to him.

“And I fell into this category. Unfortunately, I did not get my pay-out. But those who are not related to the family got their payout.”

The family says Nduduzo had gone to hospital complaining of chest pain and headaches and was diagnosed with anaemia. After more than a week of treatment, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he died two days later.

His father, Siyabonga Mbatha, said it took nearly a year to uncover the truth.

“He passed away in a ward that all three these nurses were working in. When he passed away; the way his condition rapidly changed. It only took two days. We went to see him and found that today he’s in a condition that he wasn’t in yesterday. In these two days he was not speaking and he passed on.”

Health Department and SIU Launch Probes

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirmed that the matter has been escalated to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and that a police investigation is under way.

Department spokesperson Nathi Oliphant said, “The hospital management engaged with the nurses, who denied the allegation. They were then instructed to submit written statements, but refused to do so. The nurses subsequently submitted 24-hour resignations.

Due to the seriousness of the matter, the department has referred the matter to the Special Investigations Unit for a full investigation, while the SAPS conducts the criminal probe. The department is cooperating fully with all authorities.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: DHET Takes NSFAS Board Appointment Process To Court For Self-Review

Nduduzo’s mother, Bongiwe Mbatha, broke down in tears at her son’s grave, recalling how the nurses had been kind to the family before the funeral — even bringing groceries.

“I want them to go to jail because I wouldn’t have suspected that my own child would be killed by people I saw as my sisters because the policies matured.”

The family also alleges that Nduduzo’s medical file mysteriously disappeared after his death, adding to their suspicions. They are now seeking justice and answers about what caused his sudden decline.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky