Update
GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The two accused in the so-called life insurance murder case appeared before court again yesterday, 29 March after the case was postponed for further investigation last week.
The 36-year-old Nomphelo Maloyi and 35-year-old Lwazi Kay were arrested for the murder of 66-year-old Mynhardt Maloyi in November 2022.
It is alleged that Maloyi put out a hit on Mynhardt, her uncle, arranging that Kay kill him, so that she could receive a life insurance policy pay-out. Mynhardt was attacked and stabbed to death in his home.
Members of the community were seen protesting outside court again yesterday as it was indicated that accused Maloyi will be applying for bail.
Anele Ngoyo, Chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Community Police Forum, who was leading the protest, says they are opposed to Maloyi's release from custody based on the nature and extent of the crimes.
It has previously been confirmed by Warrant Officer Nkohli Majola, spokesperson for SAPS in the Sarah Baartman district, that the court has already added six charges ranging from murder to insurance fraud to the initial murder charge.
Legal shuffle
Acting magistrate, Tiffany Potts, has excused herself from the case and indicated that a presiding officer from Gqeberha will be taking over. Based on this, the case was postponed again yesterday.
During last week's proceedings PW Meyer and Associates also stepped down from representing the accused.
According to Ngoyo this followed after it came to light that the accused omitted certain facts from their initial statements.
At the time of going to press it has not been possible to confirm with PW Meyer and Associates whether this is, in fact, the case. The accused are now represented by Zolile Ngqeza Attorneys from Gqeberha.
During the early stages of the investigation, the first investigation officer also withdrew from the case, apparently due to threats. The reason for the magistrate's excusal and the other withdrawals are unknown. The Advertiser will report on this when we manage to obtain the information.
The accused will be appearing in court again next week, Wednesday 5 April, when the date for a formal bail application will be made known.
Previous articles:
- Murder case postponed
- Petisie teen borgtog aan hof gegee
- Polis-moordsaak: skare betoog teen borgtog by hof
- 'Murder for money' case back in court
- 2 accused of insurance fraud murder in court in March
- Court dismisses pastor and Co’s application for appeal
- Mohapi can finally rest in peace
- Pastor and cousin get life imprisonment
- Sentencing on Friday
- Damning evidence heard in Mohapi murder trial
- Pastor and co-found guilty
The placard reads: "Stop murdering people for money!"
Anele Ngoyo hands the petition against bail to Graaff-Reinet court manager, Rene Viljoen.
People once again gathered at the court on Wednesday 29 March to protest against bail for the accused. Photos: Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren
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