A 43-year-old police Sergeant attached to the Senwabarwana Police Station in Limpopo, has been arrested for alleged insurance fraud amounting to R10 million.
According to the police, the on-duty Sergeant was arrested following a lengthy investigation on allegations that she was fraudulently benefiting from funeral, accidental and life policy covers from various banks and insurance companies
The suspect allegedly started her killing spree in 2019.
“Her victims were known to her and were from destitute and disadvantaged backgrounds and some were disabled or mentally challenged.
She would take out life policy and funeral covers on their behalf and she would be the 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.
Mathe highlighted that following intense investigations, the investigating team obtained a warrant of arrest, which was executed at the police station where was arrested this morning.
Two more people linked to the insurance murders were also arrested.
Mathe said police are investigating more than 30 such cases across the country, and that they’re working with insurance companies to clamp down on the crime.
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the officer’s arrest, adding that the involvement of one of their own on such heinous crimes is a disgrace.
“As a police officer you are entrusted with the safety and security of communities.
For a police officer entrusted with such a great responsibility 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 Masemola.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Polokwane District Court on six counts of murder and about seventeen cases of fraud on Friday.
