The Lusikisiki Regional Court convicted 48 year old, Simphiwe Nkaqa and sentenced him to and 8 year suspended sentence as well as compelling him to repay R340 900 in lost funds.
This according to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana who said that the dedicated efforts made by the Mbizana Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in partnership with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) culminated in the sentencing.
“The matter originated after the investigator attached at Old Mutual Insurance Company, reported suspicious insurance transactions involving multiple death benefit claims submitted by Nkaqa. Internal forensic investigations uncovered a sophisticated and systematic pattern of fraudulent conduct committed between March 2011 and May 2015. The accused submitted approximately twenty-five fraudulent death claims to the insurance company within a short period. Nkaqa employed calculated methods to circumvent verification processes by creating false impression of legitimacy,” said Mhlakuvana.
Nkaqa allegedly manipulated information relating to funeral arrangements, mortuary admissions and supporting documentation, to conceal his fraudulent activities and unlawfully enrich himself at the expense of the insurer. A case docket was opened, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for a probe.
“Rigorous investigation revealed that Old Mutual suffered actual financial loss of R340 900, while further R160 000 a potential loss was prevented through investigative intervention. The total financial impact of the criminal enterprise exceeded R500 000. Following a comprehensive investigation by the Hawks, a warrant of arrest was authorised and executed, leading in Nkaqa being arrested in August 2024, where he appeared in court and subsequently released on R2 000 bail,” said Mhlakuvana.
fter numerous court appearances Nkaqa was convicted and sentenced by the court on 10 June 2026. Nkaqa was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension. In addition, the court granted a compensation order on Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) compelling Nkaqa to repay R340 900 within the period of six (6) months in instalments of R57 000 a month on or before 31 July 2026.
picturre:Ai/Gemini
