MAN DECLARES ALIVE MUM DEAD FOR INSURANCE MONEY

MBABANE - In a shocking case of greed, a 33-year-old man attempted to defraud an insurance company by declaring his mother dead, despite her still being alive.
Velaphi Sipho Nxumalo of Maphiveni under Chief Mbandzamane presented false information to an officer working under the birth, marriages and deaths (BMDs) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, falsely claiming his mother, Zodwa Nhlambiso, had passed away. Nxumalo, who had taken out a funeral cover policy on behalf of his mother with Dups Insurance, intended to claim the benefits fraudulently.

He appeared before the Mbabane Magistrates Court, charged with contravening Section 31 of the Birth, Marriage and Death Act of 1983, and pleaded guilty.
When questioned about his actions, Nxumalo admitted to declaring his mother dead due to desperation after losing his job. He revealed that his mother only became aware of his deception after his arrest. Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati, while acknowledging the seriousness of the offence, was bound by the existing legislation, which prescribes a maximum penalty of a fine of E50 or imprisonment not exceeding three months.

“This is an outdated statute that requires urgent amendment by the relevant authorities,” Vilakati stated before sentencing Nxumalo to the maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment with the option to pay a fine of E50. This incident highlights a growing concern, with similar fraudulent activities being reported in neighbouring South Africa.
Recently, a Limpopo police sergeant was arrested for allegedly benefitting financially from fraudulent claims on various insurance policies, including funeral, accident and life insurance. South Africa has witnessed a disturbing trend of individuals resorting to extreme measures to profit from life insurance policies. Recent cases have brought to light chilling instances, where individuals have allegedly orchestrated the deaths of family members to fraudulently claim their life insurance policies.

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