Woman Allegedly Murders Relative for Life Insurance Payout in SA
Mathabo Motsieloa is accused of murdering her relative, Gift Mokati, for a R1.2 million life insurance payout. After two failed poisoning attempts, she hired a hitman to kill Mokati. The case has uncovered a troubling trend of insurance fraud-related murders in South Africa, prompting investigations into similar incidents and suspicious insurance claims.
In 2020, Mathabo Motsieloa, a mineworker from Brits, allegedly orchestrated the murder of her relative, Gift Mokati, for a R1.2 million life insurance payout. Despite initially poisoning him twice in March 2021 without success, she ultimately enlisted a hitman to carry out the fatal attack. Mokati was murdered shortly after Motsieloa cremated his body while deceiving family members with bricks in his coffin.
The case has highlighted a troubling trend in South Africa regarding insurance-related murders. Following Mokati’s death, Motsieloa reportedly paid R30,000 to a police officer, Motsumi Tabane, to ensure her involvement was not disclosed. Furthermore, there are allegations that they conspired to kill another officer who refused to close the case.
This incident has brought attention to several recent cases of insurance fraud linked to murders across the country. In one such case, a couple was found guilty of murdering Lerato’s ex-boyfriend for insurance money. Similarly, a former policewoman was convicted of multiple murders for similar motives, representing a dangerous pattern of violence tied to financial gain.
Motsieloa’s aunt, who previously pled guilty and is currently serving a sentence for her role in the crime, testified against her in court. She described how Motsieloa lured Mokati to South Africa under false pretenses and then manipulated him into taking out an insurance policy without his knowledge, ultimately plotting his murder to cash in.
The aunt detailed two failed poisoning attempts before calling in a hitman. Motsieloa is now facing serious charges, including murder and conspiracy. The ongoing trial has drawn attention to wider implications of fraudulent insurance schemes, indicating a systemic issue within the nation.
In addition, police investigations suggest that at least 67 murder cases in the Eastern Cape are linked to similar insurance fraud schemes. The case against Motsieloa and her accomplices continues, with multiple witnesses prepared to provide evidence, spotlighting this alarming trend in South Africa.
The case of Mathabo Motsieloa illustrates a significant problem with insurance fraud resulting in murder in South Africa. This pattern of violent crime raises alarms for authorities as multiple cases mirror Motsieloa’s actions, suggesting a broader, systemic issue within society. As the ongoing trial progresses, it underscores the need for vigilant oversight within the insurance industry and law enforcement to combat such crimes.
Original Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za
