Crime Africa

Woman in court for killing her mother for insurance payout

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 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.

“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.

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.

 

Source: citizen.co.za

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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