'Murder for money' case back in court

Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The two accused in the alleged insurance murder of Mynhardt Maloyi are back in court today, Thursday 23 March.

Nomphelo Maloyi (36) and Lwazi Kay (35) were arrested for the murder of 66-year-old Maloyi in November 2022 after his body was found with multiple stab wounds to the chest inside his house in Henry Street.

Mynhardt Maloyi is a relative of Nomphelo Maloyi and it is alleged that she was the mastermind behind his murder and arranged that Kay murder her relative to benefit from an insurance policy pay-out.

Maloyi and Kay first appeared in court on Monday, 12 December and both were denied bail.

It has come to light that Maloyi is intending to apply for bail again today and outraged community members are planning a protest at court in a bid to keep her in jail.

Chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Community Police Forum (CPF), Anele Ngoyo, says the delay in the investigation may eventually lead to a successful bail application.

"We may soon find the perpetrators outside again because they cannot be kept inside forever. SAPS in Graaff-Reinet do not have the capacity to handle a case of this nature and therefore we feel that the case must be moved elsewhere," he says.

"We are in partnership with the police but we do not agree with how this case is handled. Our first priority is the community - we already have too many unresolved murder cases. About 8 out of 10 cases end up cold due to insufficient evidence. We are in communication with Major-General Zolani Xawuka, District Commissioner of SAPS, regarding the involvement of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in the investigation of this case."

According to Ngoyo, allegations relating to the extent of the crimes committed by Maloyi and widespread speculation that more people may be involved, justify the involvement of the Hawks. Warrant Officer Nkohli Majola, spokesperson for the Sarah Baartman district, previously confirmed that six charges ranging from murder to insurance fraud have been added to the initial murder charge.

Ngoyo wants the case to be moved from Graaff-Reinet to the High Court in Grahamstown. According to him this is primarily based on the seriousness of the crimes, particularly since the general perception is that an insurance murder syndicate exists and that many are still walking free.

Police react

In reaction to Ngoyo’s assertions, Sarah Baartman Police Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, said the case is being handled by local detectives who have made major progress in the investigation. “Two people were arrested, and the state has successfully opposed bail, hence their detention pending their trial. We take cognizance of the concerns raised by the CPF chairperson, and unfortunately, there are court processes that must be followed before cases are taken to either regional or high court, and we are working closely with the NPA in order to secure a successful prosecution.”

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