BROTHERS SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERING THEIR UNCLE FOR INSURANCE PAYOUT
12 November 2025
BROTHERS SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERING THEIR UNCLE FOR INSURANCE PAYOUT
Winburg, Free State – The Winburg Regional Court has sentenced two brothers, Mojalefa (28) and Masopha Maobisa (23), to 30 years of direct imprisonment each for the premeditated murder of their uncle, 54-year-old Pule Isaac Maobisa, in a calculated scheme to fraudulently claim a funeral insurance payout.
In August 2019, the brothers took out a R30 000 funeral policy on the life of their vulnerable and disabled uncle. Merely weeks after the first premium was paid, on 19 October 2019, they travelled from Bloemfontein to Winburg to execute their plan.
Armed with a knife, the accused forced a friend under duress to accompany them and help gain entry into the deceased’s home. Once inside, they brutally stabbed their uncle 42 times, killing him instantly. A neighbour heard his desperate cries for help and alerted police, who later described the crime scene as one of the most horrific they had encountered. Following the murder, the brothers claimed the insurance payout and attempted to silence their friend by offering him money. When he tried to distance himself, they attacked him, prompting him to seek refuge 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. The testimony of the friend, given under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, proved pivotal in securing the convictions. The court found both accused guilty of housebreaking with intent to murder and murder, sentencing them to 30 years of direct imprisonment.
In aggravation, Prosecutor Marlies Nel commended the bravery of the key witness and the dedication of the investigating officer, describing the crime as “premeditated, callous, and driven purely by greed.” Two Victim Impact Statements, compiled by Khantse Khosana and Rose Dube, revealed the deep emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the family and community.
Welcoming the sentence, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it reflects the gravity of crimes motivated by greed and reinforces the NPA’s resolve to protect 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. This disturbing trend reflects a disregard for human life in the pursuit of financial gain,” the NPA said. “Those who exploit life insurance policies to commit murder will face the full might of the law. Working with law enforcement, the NPA will ensure that perpetrators are identified, prosecuted, and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment. No mercy will be shown to those who profit from the blood of others.”
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539