Zvishavane man jailed for insurance fraud over fake burial claim
ZVISHAVANE — A Zvishavane man has been jailed for 14 months after fraudulently attempting to claim death benefits for a fictitious child, prosecutors said Friday.
Promise Banda, 40, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court, with four months suspended on condition of good behavior, the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.
Prosecutors said Banda misrepresented to Ecosure Insurance Company, operated by Econet Wireless Zvishavane, that his daughter, identified as “Chipo Enia Banda,” had died.
Investigations revealed Banda forged a child health card and used it to obtain a burial order from the Zvishavane District Registrar’s Office. He then submitted the documents to Ecosure in an attempt to fraudulently claim $6,250 in death benefits, according to the NPA.
Authorities later determined the supposed beneficiary did not exist.
“The court found the offender guilty of fraud, noting that such schemes are deliberate attacks on financial institutions and erode trust in insurance systems,” the NPA said.
The authority warned that insurance fraud is not a victimless crime, adding: “It undermines trust in financial institutions and affects genuine policyholders. The justice system will continue to impose tough penalties to deter such conduct.”
