Rita Odafe
South African Woman Sentenced for Murders Linked to Insurance Fraud
Nonhlanhla Cynthia Mbele, a 42-year-old woman from South Africa, has been sentenced for the murders of her sister, brother-in-law, and a church member, all linked to a fraudulent insurance scheme. On December 20, 2024, the Durban High Court issued a life sentence to both Mbele and her 53-year-old accomplice, Mthofi Cyril Msipho, on three counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, alongside 45 years in prison for additional fraud charges.
Prior to the murders, Mbele orchestrated a plan to gain financially from funeral insurance claims. Between June 2019 and September 2020, she obtained multiple funeral cover policies through Capitec Bank, covering several family members and acquaintances. Mbele positioned herself as the policyholder and beneficiary, encouraging her son to replicate her actions, enabling him to insure his relatives.
The insurance policies promised double payouts in cases of accidental death or unnatural causes. From July 15, 2019, to June 26, 2020, Mbele collaborated with Msipho and others to arrange the killings of Suzan Xolo (her sister), Thamsanqa Mthembu (a church acquaintance), and Thulani Mdlalose (her brother-in-law). Following their deaths, Mbele successfully claimed insurance payouts.
Two complainants, who were also insured by Mbele, managed to evade the planned murders after being warned by an associate about the threats to their lives. Subsequently, Mbele and Msipho were apprehended after their conspiracy was exposed.
In court, the evidence included testimonies from Mbele’s son and family members of the deceased. Mbele’s son disclosed that he acquired the insurance policies under his mother’s guidance and that she controlled the family’s finances. Relatives of the deceased expressed that they were unaware of the life insurance policies Mbele had secured and had not received any benefits.
Victim Impact Statements presented by Mbele’s mother and sister illustrated the severe emotional toll of the murders. Mbele’s mother expressed deep trauma, stating she could not understand her daughter’s actions, while Mbele’s sister conveyed feelings of stress and frustration over the pain caused to their family.
Ultimately, both Mbele and Msipho received life sentences for the murders, in addition to terms for conspiracy and fraud, which will run concurrently. The National Prosecuting Authority praised the verdict and reiterated its commitment to justice for crime victims.
