TWO brothers from Bloemfontein have each been sentenced to 30 years of direct imprisonment for the premeditated murder of their disabled uncle in what prosecutors described as a “cold-blooded and greed-driven plot” to cash in on a funeral insurance policy.
The Winburg Regional Court found Mojalefa, 28, and Masopha Maobisa, 23, guilty of housebreaking with intent to murder and murder, following the brutal killing of 54-year-old Pule Isaac Maobisa in October 2019.
According to court evidence, the brothers had in August 2019 taken out a R30 000 funeral policy on their uncle’s life without his knowledge.
Barely weeks after paying the first premium, they travelled from Bloemfontein to Winburg on 19 October 2019 to carry out their murderous plan.
Armed with a knife, the brothers forced a friend to accompany them to the victim’s home.
Once inside, they stabbed their uncle 42 times, killing him instantly.
A neighbour who heard the man’s desperate cries alerted the police, who later described the crime scene as one of the most gruesome they had ever encountered.
After the murder, the pair claimed the insurance payout and allegedly tried to bribe their friend into silence.
When he refused to cooperate, they attacked him – prompting him to flee and report the crime to the police.
A meticulous investigation led by Warrant Officer Smit uncovered crucial evidence linking the brothers to the murder, including cellphone records, bank statements and the fraudulent policy documents.
The state’s case was further strengthened by the testimony of the coerced friend, who testified under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, receiving immunity in exchange for his cooperation.
His evidence proved decisive in securing convictions.
During sentencing, prosecutor Marlies Nel described the killing as “premeditated, callous, and driven purely by greed”.
She praised both the key witness and the investigating officer for their courage and dedication.
Two victim impact statements, compiled by Khantse Khosana and Rose Dube, revealed the profound trauma suffered by the victim’s family and the broader community.
Welcoming the sentence, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the judgment underscored the state’s commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable.
“The NPA notes with grave concern the alarming increase in cases where individuals take out life insurance policies on others with the sinister intent of profiting through murder,” it said in a statement.
“Those who exploit life insurance policies to commit murder will face the full might of the law.
“No mercy will be shown to those who profit from the blood of others.”