Woman accused of murdering her relatives for insurance money

An intelligence operation led to the arrest of a 49-year-old woman on suspicion that she murdered her relatives to benefit from insurance claims.

The accused was traced to and arrested in Centurion during a takedown operation led by the SAPS in partnership and full co-operation with an insurance company.

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Provincial police spokesperson, Brig A Mathe, said, “For the past two months, Sgt Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives have been working on this case following a tip-off from relatives of the accused. Sgt Mabunda was roped in to kick-start investigations due to his expertise in solving similar cases. Through analysis and collection of evidence including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link the woman to the team’s first focus of the case.”

The accused appeared on a charge of murder in the Mmabatho Magistrates Court on Friday, November 17, 2023.

“The murder that was initially ruled a ‘natural death’ happened in Mmabatho in the North West where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023. Investigations have revealed that the accused fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative, before her murder. The team is also investigating the deaths of the accused’s son, who died in July 2023, her husband, who died in 2016 and her two daughters, who died in 2015 and 2005,” added Brig Mathe.

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The accused has, according to investigations, pocketed large amounts of money throughout her activities.

“The SAPS takes this opportunity to urge insurance companies and families to be extra vigilant to such criminal activities. They are encouraged to report such criminality to Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or their nearest police station where they will be assigned to a detective. Callers and whistle-blowers are reminded that all information will be treated with confidentiality,” Brig Mathe concluded.