Life sentences for Lenasia South ‘killer nurse’ and gardener in R6 million insurance murder plot
On Monday, June 8, the court handed down a life sentence to Xulu and Mogale for the 2022 murder that was orchestrated to cash in on approximately R6 million in life insurance policies fraudulently taken out in Nxumalo’s name.
Justice has finally caught up with former nurse Hapiness Sithembile Xulu and her former gardener, Simon Isaac Mogale, after the Johannesburg High Court sentenced both to life imprisonment for the murder of Xulu’s stepdaughter, Busisiwe Nxumalo.
On Monday, June 8, the court handed down a life sentence to Xulu and Mogale for the 2022 murder that was orchestrated to cash in on approximately R6 million in life insurance policies fraudulently taken out in Nxumalo’s name.
In addition to the life sentence for murder, Xulu was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for each of four counts of fraud after she admitted to unlawfully obtaining insurance and funeral policies while impersonating the deceased.
The court found that Xulu masterminded the plot and recruited Mogale to carry out the killing in exchange for payment. The murder took place just months after Nxumalo had moved from KwaZulu-Natal to live with Xulu in Lenasia South.
The case was originally investigated by Lenasia South SAPS Warrant Officer Lloyd Ngengenene, whose investigation uncovered the insurance scheme and ultimately helped build the State’s case against the accused.
The sentencing brings an end to a case that has gripped the community for more than four years, delivering long-awaited justice for Busisiwe Nxumalo and her grieving family.
