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A 'pastor' has also been arrested in the case and appeared in court on Thursday.
A woman is accused of orchestrating her own mother’s death for an Insurance payouts. Picture: iStock
An Mpumalanga woman is expected to appear in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on Friday for allegedly orchestrating the death of her mother for an insurance payout.
The 40-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder of Emmie Maonye, who was killed last month.
She is the third person to be arrested in relation to the case. Two other suspects, Thapelo Khoza, 25, and Lebo Magopane, 26, appeared in the same court on Thursday, and were denied bail.
Their case has been postponed to next week Tuesday for bail application.
“The Crime Intelligence Unit in Mpumalanga has played a pivotal role in cracking this case,” said Mpumalanga police Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
‘Dodgy’ 25-year-old pastor
Mdhluli said Khoza, who claimed to be a pastor, was apprehended in Nelspruit for his alleged involvement in a housebreaking and theft case in Mataffin outside Nelspruit in December 2024.
“Subsequent investigations uncovered connections to other crimes, including Maonye’s case. During the arrest, he was found in possession of stolen items serving as crucial evidence.
“Upon further investigation, it was revealed that he was also a part of the people who reportedly orchestrated Maonye’s death, “ added Mdhluli.
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Cracked the case
Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the police for cracking the case.
“The prevalence of alleged murders linked to insurance claims is a disturbing trend. We urge the public to report such cases promptly, and rest assured, the police will diligently investigate these matters to ensure justice prevails.”
Insurance payout murders
There have been several high-profile cases of murders for insurance payouts. Rosemary Ndlovu is currently serving six life sentences for the murders of her partner and other family members after taking out life insurance policies in their names.
Similarly, Limpopo police officer Raesetja Rachel Shokane Kutumela is currently facing 19 charges, including murder, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice.
She allegedly took out several funeral, accidental, and life insurance policies on vulnerable individuals, including some who were disabled or mentally challenged, making herself a beneficiary.
“She is currently linked to about six insurance-related murders, and evidence shows she has pocketed at least R10 million,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Insurance fraud on the rise?
The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) recently warned of a rise in cases of insurance fraud in the area.
According to the Randburg Sun, CPF public relations officer Freda Boiles said authorities have spotted a trend of people lying about stolen laptops, cellphones, and other valuables to get an insurance payout.
Additional reporting by Vhahangwele Nemakonde
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