Woman arrested for killing father and cousin for insurance claims

A 38-year-old woman, Charmaine Bila, has been arrested on two separate charges of murder and one of attempted murder. The accused was initially arrested on Friday, 17 November 2023, and appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 November 2023.

Bila’s arrest comes after an incident where a 26-year-old Sandy Maleshane and her 31-year-old boyfriend were allegedly shot in a house at Khuma, outside Stilfontein on Sunday, 24 September 2023.

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Maleshane’s boyfriend was confronted and shot while responding after to a knock at the door. Although he managed to escape and was rushed to hospital his girlfriend was declared dead at the scene. She was allegedly shot by two male suspects.

Bila was arrested after allegations suggested that she hired two hitmen to kill the victim for insurance claim.

Further investigations linked the accused to another murder committed in Klerksdorp a few hours before the Khuma incident on 24 September 2023.

According to reports, police were summoned to the scene of arson where they found the burnt body of Thys Safatsa, which was certified dead by paramedics. As result, a case of inquest was opened. However, investigations linked Bila to the incident and the inquest docket was changed to murder. This was after it came to light that Sefatsa was also killed for insurance claim.

Investigations into the cases revealed that the accused claimed R320 000 in insurance claims respect following the murder of the two deceased who were her cousin and father.

Subsequent to Bila’s appearance in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, she was remanded in custody until 6 December 2023, for formal bail application.

The accused also appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 29 November 2023, in connection with the alleged murder of Sandy Maleshane. She was remanded in custody until Thursday, 7 December 2023, for this case.

Investigations into both cases are continuing and anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation, is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Kabelo Kwele on 0791730679.

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