A female South African Police Service (SAPS) officer from Limpopo has been arrested in connection with a series of murders believed to have been committed for financial gain.
Story Summary:
- A Limpopo police officer has been arrested, suspected of orchestrating six murders for insurance payouts.
- The officer allegedly collected over R10 million from life and accidental death policies.
- Police have compared the case to that of Rosemary Ndlovu, a former SAPS officer convicted of similar crimes.
How this Limpopo SAPS officer was exposed as a serial killer
The officer, who cannot be named until formal charges are filed in court, was apprehended at the Senwabarwana Police Station during a live television broadcast, sending shockwaves across the country.
Authorities believe the officer was involved in orchestrating the murders of at least six individuals from different communities, dating back to 2019.
She allegedly took out multiple life and accidental death insurance policies on her victims, profiting from their deaths to the tune of over R10 million.
The disturbing case mirrors that of Rosemary Ndlovu, another former SAPS officer who was convicted in 2021 for plotting and carrying out the murders of her family members and boyfriend for insurance money.
Ndlovu’s chilling case exposed how individuals entrusted with the responsibility of protecting citizens abused their positions to commit heinous crimes.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe of SAPS revealed that the arrest followed an extensive intelligence-led operation spearheaded by Captain Kheshi Mabunda, a specialist in complex murder investigations.
Mabunda was assigned to the case after receiving allegations about the officer’s involvement in insurance-related killings.
Over the course of the investigation, Mabunda worked closely with insurance companies and financial institutions to gather and analyse evidence that pointed to the officer’s guilt.
Mathe said that police believe they have a strong case, with enough evidence to link the officer to the murders.
“From the SAPS side, we are quite disappointed. As a police officer, you are entrusted with the responsibility of serving and protecting the people of this country. When a person such as a police officer abuses powers conferred upon them, it’s an absolute disgrace,” Mathe said.