KEY POINTS
- Two suspects accused of murdering a domestic worker for R6 million ($326,003) in life insurance.
- Court delays bail ruling after one suspect’s address could not be verified.
- Family and domestic worker unions demand justice for the victim.
The Lenasia Magistrate’s Court saw emotional scenes as family members, friends, and domestic workers’ rights activists gathered to witness the latest proceedings in a shocking murder-for-insurance case.
Former nurse Sithembile Xulu and her co-accused, former gardener Simon Mogale, stand accused of plotting the murder of Xulu’s domestic worker and cousin, Busiswa Nxumalo, in a bid to claim R6 million ($326,003) in life insurance payouts.
Both suspects scheduled their bail hearings, but the court could not verify Mogale’s place of residence and employment, causing a snag in his application.
Xulu, who had previously abandoned her bail application, will have to wait until March 20 for a new decision.
A chilling murder plot unfolds
Court documents reveal that Xulu had secretly taken out three life insurance policies on Nxumalo, each worth R1 million ($54,319) from Stangen Life, OUTsurance, and King Price.
According to IOL, because these policies included double payouts for unnatural death, the total potential payout was R6 million ($326,003).
Prosecutors allege that in January 2022, Xulu and Mogale collaborated to kill Nxumalo, slitting her throat before dumping her body in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.
The case has sent shockwaves across South Africa, particularly among domestic workers. Many are questioning how many other workers might have been unwittingly insured without their knowledge.
Family and workers demand justice
Trauma and sadness overwhelm Nxumalo’s family as they battle to accept the unexpected hurt from their confiding source of trust.
Her uncle, Qhetheba Nxumalo, expressed relief that Xulu remains behind bars.
“We are glad she remains in custody, but we don’t know for how long,” he said. “Our family feels shattered because Busiswa had her whole future ahead of her.”
Outside the courthouse, Florence Sosiba of the South African Domestic Workers Union (SADWU) addressed the crowd. She expressed concern over the exploitation of domestic workers.
“As domestic workers, we are worried. How many of us have been insured without our knowledge? How many others could suffer the same fate as Busiswa?” she said.
The court postponed the bail hearing to March 20, when they will make a final decision on Mogale’s and Xulu’s applications. Until then, both accused remain in custody.
