The trial of seven accused who face a string of charges relating to hit murders connected to life insurance payouts will be heard in the Gqeberha High Court next year.
The accused, Siyabulela Mbane, Unathi Peter, Ntobeko and Xolelwa Msome, Monelwa Gwane, Luxolo Mjadu, and Phumelele Mango made a brief appearance in the Kariega Magistrates Court on Monday.
They face at least ten charges of murder and more than 40 charges of fraud, of more than R2 million.
Other charges include racketeering, money laundering, and the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic firearm and ammunition.
The State will allege that the accused obtained funeral policies on the lives of individuals who subsequently died of unnatural causes shortly thereafter.
In certain instances, the accused were related to the deceased, while in other cases they allegedly misrepresented their relationship status or impersonated the lives of the insured persons to qualify for funeral policies.
According to the State, the murders were premeditated and preplanned so that the accused could enrich themselves.
Some of the insurance claims were allegedly successfully paid out to the accused.
In instances where the insurer suspected fraud, the claims were refused.
Also read: Three hit murder suspects granted bail
The accused allegedly ran their enterprise between July 2021 to September last year.
A majority of the crimes took place in Kariega, but two of the seven will also be trialed separately in the Bhisho High Court, for a murder committed in Whittlesea.
Three are out on bail.
All of the accused will appear in the Gqeberha High Court again on 21 January 2025.
