Insurance fraud is fastly becoming a norm in South Africa, another one has surfaced, leading to the arrest of a police officer from Senwabarwana Police Station, who allegedly murdered six people over the past five years to claim insurance payouts worth over R10 million.
The 43-year-old officer, whose identity has been withheld pending further investigation, is accused of preying on vulnerable members of her community, including individuals who were mentally challenged or disabled. According to authorities, the officer took out fraudulent insurance policies on these destitute individuals without their knowledge and later orchestrated their murders to cash in on life and funeral policy claims.
Investigations reveal that the killing spree began in 2019, targeting those from impoverished families who had no direct ties to the officer. The officer reportedly used her position of trust to deceive her victims before insuring them for accidental deaths, ensuring that she was listed as the sole beneficiary.
A breakthrough in the case came when insurance companies raised red flags over the high volume of suspicious payouts linked to the officer.
Expert investigator Captain Keshi Mabunda, renowned for his work in high-profile insurance fraud cases like that of convicted murderer Rosemary Ndlovu, was brought in to lead the investigation.
Captain Mabunda and his team uncovered a disturbing pattern, revealing how the officer manipulated insurance systems, leading to the deaths of six individuals whose lives were exploited for financial gain.
The arrest has left the Bochum Senwabarwana community in shock, with residents expressing disbelief at the officer’s betrayal of her duty to protect the public.
National Police Spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the officer was arrested at her workplace following months of thorough investigation.
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, condemned the heinous acts, expressing his deep disappointment that someone tasked with upholding the law had abused their position so horrifically.
“As a police officer, you are entrusted with the safety and security of communities. For a police officer to be involved in such acts is an absolute disgrace. She abused her powers by insuring those that trusted her.
“This must send a strong warning to all involved that the long arm of the law will find you and catch you,” said General Masemola.
The arrested officer is expected to appear in the Polokwane District Court on Friday, 11 October 2024, facing multiple charges, including six counts of murder and seventeen counts of fraud.
