A family in Zwathini, near Ndwedwe, is demanding justice after three nurses allegedly used their late relative’s personal details to fraudulently secure insurance payouts totaling R162,000. The incident involves staff from Appelsbosch Hospital on 03 October 2025 and has sparked outrage in the local community.
What Happened
According to the Mbatha family, the fraud came to light when insurance companies contacted the late Nduduzo Mbatha’s mother, Mrs. Bongiwe Mbatha, about policies registered in her son’s name. Nduduzo, 24, had been a frequent patient at Appelsbosch Hospital before passing away in November 2024.
Investigations revealed that 3 nurses allegedly submitted insurance claims using his personal data without the family’s knowledge. One reportedly received R50,000, another R54,000, and the third R58,000. A fourth nurse’s claim was rejected, but she was refunded the R119 joining fee.
Official Response
Mrs. Bongiwe Mbatha confirmed the incident, saying it had left her emotionally shattered.
“What hurts most is that these were people I knew personally and worked alongside,” she said. “When I opened a case, they suddenly resigned — that says everything about their guilt.”
Hospital management confirmed that the case had been reported and that investigations were underway. Officials, who are not authorized to speak publicly, resignation letters from the nurses were still under review and had not been formally accepted. Police have not yet confirmed whether a criminal case has been officially opened.
Community Impact
The case has caused anger and fear among locals, who are calling for tighter controls over patient information in public hospitals. Community members say the incident has damaged trust between patients and healthcare workers.
