Picture: The suspect accused of killing her relatives to cash in from insurance claims/Supplied
By OBAKENGMAJE
A 49-YEAR-OLD woman who is suspected of killing her relatives to cash-in from insurance claims, has been arrested. It is alleged that, suspect has been under police surveillance for the past two months. The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said even though the alleged incidents took place in Mmabatho, North West, the suspect was traced and arrested in Centurion, near Pretoria this morning.
“The suspect was traced to and arrested in Centurion this morning during a takedown operation led by the police in collaboration and full cooperation with an insurance company. For the past two months, Sergeant Keshi Mabunda and a team of detectives have been working on this case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect.
“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 its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case,” said Mathe.
She further said, the suspect will now appear on a charge of murder before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Mathe added that, the murder that was initially ruled a ‘natural death’ happened in Mmabatho, where a female relative died under mysterious circumstances in March 2023.
“The investigations have revealed that, the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative, prior to her murder. The police are also investigating the deaths of the suspect’s son, who died in July 2023, her husband who died in 2016 and her two daughters who died in 2015 and 2005.
“The suspect has according to investigations, pocketed large amounts of money throughout her activities. The South African Police Services (SAPS) takes this opportunity to urge insurance companies and families to be extra vigilant and alert to such criminal activities,” she said.
Mathe said they encourage insurance companies and families to report such criminality to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station, where they will be assigned to a detective. She said the My SAPS App can also be downloaded to submit tip-offs.
“Callers and whistle-blowers are reminded that all information will be treated with confidentiality,” she said.
The Guardian 