Man jailed for killing relatives for life policy money

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National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has managed to secure a life sentence for a 47 years old man who was positively linked to the murder of his two relatives.

Making his final appearance at the Eastern Cape High Court Division in Mthatha, Fezile Wilberforce Mazitshana was also declared unfit to own a firearm and revoked his existing firearm licence. His application for leave to appeal was successfully opposed by the prosecution.

Mazitshana took out funeral and life insurance policies for his extended family members, uncle and cousin making himself the beneficiary of the policies around January 21, 2018.

NPA Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said that Mazitshana was employed by the Eastern Cape, Department of Pathology Laboratories, when he planned and executed the killings.

“As part of his employment duties, he would go and collect their bodies, sign off death certificates and fast track the paperwork to claim the policies.”

“Investigations were only launched after the death of Madodandile Nxiwa, who was shot and killed by a hitman at Ngxoki Location, which is not far from Mazitshana’s home.”

“The hitman was cornered and severely assaulted by community members. The police rescued him from the mob and he revealed that he had been hired and supplied with a firearm by Mazitshana. The accused hitman became the state witness according to Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after entering into a plea agreement with the state.”

Tyali added that further investigations also linked Mazitshana to the murder of his uncle, Tedolious Bhanise Mazitshana, on 17 March 2017, in the district of Libode.

His lifeless body was found on an open field with gunshot wounds. The deceased was last seen with his nephew, the convicted murderer.

Further investigations presented in court revealed that a government vehicle was also used in committing the crime.

He also benefited monies ranging between R30 000 and R120 000 which were paid into his bank account.

Along with other evidence presented, all policy application forms filled in and signed by him were also found.