An 83-year-old woman, Mandenane Emmie Maonye, was allegedly murdered in March 2025 in a chilling plot reportedly orchestrated by her own daughter and granddaughter for insurance payouts. The case has shocked the community of Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, and drawn attention to the troubling trend of insurance-related murders.
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A 40-year-old woman, believed to be the victim’s daughter, is set to appear in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court today, April 11, 2025. She becomes the third suspect arrested in connection with this brutal crime. Two other individuals—a 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman—appeared in court on April 10, 2025. The court has postponed the matter to April 15, 2025, while all three suspects remain in custody.
Police investigations have revealed disturbing details. The 25-year-old man, Polite Thaphelo Khoza, was initially arrested in December 2024 for an unrelated housebreaking and theft case in Mataffin, near Nelspruit. During the course of that investigation, police uncovered evidence linking him to several other serious crimes, including robbery, kidnapping, and arson.
Further probing by the Crime Intelligence (CI) Unit led to the shocking discovery that Khoza, along with Maonye’s daughter and granddaughter—identified as Lebo Magopane, 26—were allegedly involved in plotting and executing the elderly woman’s murder. The motive, according to investigators, was to cash in on insurance benefits.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the exceptional efforts of the CI team and detectives who helped crack the case. “This case highlights the dedication and professionalism of our officers. We commend their collaborative efforts in bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.
General Mkhwanazi also raised alarm about the increasing number of murders reportedly tied to life insurance claims. “The prevalence of alleged murders linked to insurance claims is a disturbing trend. We urge members of the public to report any suspicious cases immediately. The SAPS is committed to thoroughly investigating such matters and ensuring justice prevails,” he emphasized.
This case has left many South Africans in disbelief, particularly due to the close family ties among the suspects and the victim. The idea that a mother and granddaughter could allegedly conspire to kill a family member for financial gain has stirred public outrage and deep concern.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain determined to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and bring all those involved to justice. The next court appearance is scheduled for April 15, 2025, where further developments are expected to unfold.