Five Zimbabwean nationals have been convicted in the United Kingdom for their roles in a £300,000 (US$365,000 / R6.8 million) fraud and money laundering scheme that targeted the National Health Service (NHS). The verdicts were delivered at Southwark Crown Court following a six-week trial that began on September 1, 2025

According to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA), the operation was masterminded by 42-year-old Edias Mazambani, a credit controller at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. Prosecutors said Mazambani abused his position by manipulating the hospital’s financial systems to process fake refund requests linked to patient funds

“Mazambani used his privileged access to confidential financial data to steal over £218,000 and attempt a further £84,000,” said Ben Harrison, Head of Operations at the NHSCFA.

The fraudulent activity came to light after the trust’s finance department noticed suspicious refund transactions. An internal review traced the irregularities back to Mazambani’s login details, prompting an investigation. A search of his residence later uncovered documents connecting him to the false claims.

Four co-defendants — all Zimbabwean nationals — were also convicted for their roles in laundering the stolen funds. They were identified as George Magaya, who pleaded guilty early in the trial, and three others, including Rosemary Magaya and Michelle Tengende, both NHS employees, and Sinqobile Pasipanodya, who were found guilty by a jury on October 14, 2025.

Court documents showed that the group moved more than £218,000 through several bank accounts, attempting to conceal the origin of the funds before routing portions back to Mazambani and the Magayas. The total amount involved in the fraudulent and attempted transactions reached £302,000.

The NHSCFA confirmed that asset recovery proceedings will be pursued under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to reclaim stolen funds.