Granny fakes granddaughter’s death
Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A CUNNING Bulawayo granny faked her granddaughter’s death and fraudulently acquired a death certificate which she then used to swindle a local funeral policy firm of $1,000, a magistrate heard. The woman, from Emakhandeni suburb, faked the death of her granddaughter, Yoliswa Mafu, who is based in South Africa, and swindled First Mutual Life of $1,000 under the guise that she wanted to use the money to cater for funeral expenses.
Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove heard how on December 19, 2013, Ethel Bhebhe, 71, went to First Mutual Life offices between Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and 9th Avenue and completed funeral policy claim forms.
She tricked First Mutual Life officials into paying her $1,000 purporting it was for her granddaughter’s burial on the understanding that the remaining $500 would be paid out after the company had completed its own investigations to ascertain whether her claim was genuine.
Prosecuting, Caroline Matanga told the court that on December 24, 2013 at about 9AM, Bhebhe went back to First Life Insurance offices to collect the remaining balance of $500.
After the investigations, the company discovered that Mafu was alive and demanded back its money. Asked by the magistrate why she committed the fraud, Bhebhe replied: “Your Worship, I am really sorry. I committed the crime because I wanted to raise money for my ailing son’s medical expenses. I am a poor woman who ekes out a living from selling tomatoes.”
Mushove convicted Bhebhe on her own plea and sentenced her to 12 months in prison of which three months were suspended for five years on condition that she does not within that period commit a similar offence.
The remaining nine months were also suspended on condition she performs 315 hours of community service at Emakhandeni Primary School starting Monday next week.
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