Insurance fraud, including carrying out ‘hit’ murders for insurance claims, is a serious problem that has severe consequences for society, insurers and the victims involved.
Thorough investigation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes resulted in the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Lonwabo Mbixane (35) in April 2023. It is alleged that at about 22:40, Mbixane was outside a house in Avenue B in New Brighton with one other person when he was fatally wounded. A case of murder was opened for investigation.
As the investigation unfolded, police established that that motive for the murder was for an insurance claim which was taken out on the deceased. The victim nor his family were made aware of such claim prior to his demise.
Azola Bhuqa (41), alleged to be the mastermind and Siphosethu Kaya (22) were arrested on Saturday, 22 July 2023 and charged for murder.
The suspects appeared in the New Brighton magistrate court on Monday, 24 July 2023 and are remanded in custody to 31 July 2023.
Investigators are busy probing possible links to other ‘hit’ murders by the suspects in the Nelson Mandela Bay area.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the arrests and stated that solving ‘hit’ murders is a complex and challenging task and investigations such as this demands exceptional investigative skills. ‘This is indeed a breakthrough for the SAPS as murders committed for fraudulent insurance claims are unethical and criminal. We are working closely with insurance companies in investigating suspicious claims,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.