By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

An intelligence operation led to the arrest of a Pretoria woman who benefitted from insurance claims relating to her deceased son, husband, and two daughters.

The arrest occurred on Thursday morning after the woman was traced and arrested in Centurion during a takedown operation in cooperation with the insurance company.

The suspect is believed to have murdered her relatives for insurance pay-outs.

Her husband died in 2016, her two daughters in 2005 and 2015, respectively, and her son died in July 2023.

Investigations began after a female relative died under mysterious circumstances at Mmabatho in North West in March.

The woman's passing was initially ruled a natural death.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the suspect fraudulently took out insurance on behalf of her relative prior to her death.

"Through analysis and collection of evidence, including the exhumation of a body, the team was able to link its latest suspect to the team’s first focus of the case. The suspect has, according to investigations, pocketed large amounts of money throughout her activities."

"The investigation team is led by renowned detective Sergeant Keshi Mabunda, who cracked the case of policewoman turned serial killer Rosemary Ndlovu, who killed her relatives and cashed in on their life insurance policies.

"For the past two months,  and a team of detectives have been working on this case following a tip-off from relatives of this suspect. Mabunda was roped in to kick-start investigations due to his expertise in solving similar cases."

The suspect will appear on a charge of murder before the Mmabatho Magistrate Court on Friday, November 17.

Police have called on insurance companies and the public to report cases where they suspect foul play when it comes to insurance policies or claims.

The SAPS takes this opportunity to urge insurance companies and families to be extra vigilant and alert to such criminal activities. They are encouraged to report such criminality to the Crime Stop number, 0860 010 111, or their nearest police station, where they will be assigned to a detective. Callers and whistle-blowers are reminded that all information will be treated with confidentiality.