Insurance Denies Funeral Claim for Man Allegedly Linked to Kidnapping, SA Reacts

• The refusal to pay a funeral policy claim after the death of an alleged criminal in a police shootout has sparked intense online debate
• The insurer says SAPS reports allege the man was involved in a kidnapping, placing the claim outside the policy’s scope
• Critics argue this undermines due process, while others say insurers are entitled to enforce clear exclusions, and criminals must face the repercussions of their actions

The decision by Icebolethu Group to deny a funeral policy claim following the death of a KwaZulu-Natal man allegedly involved in criminal activity has ignited widespread debate online, raising questions about accountability, due process, and the scope of funeral insurance cover.

The controversy centres on the death of Sbonelo Zaca, who was fatally wounded during a shootout with police in KwaZulu-Natal. His family lodged a claim under a funeral policy held by a family member, which was later declined by the insurer.

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The insurer's official statement, shared by journalist Sihle Mavuso on X, confirmed that the claim was rejected following an internal assessment conducted with its underwriter and in consultation with law enforcement authorities.

Insurer cites SAPS reports alleging criminal activity

According to the insurer, information obtained from the South African Police Service (SAPS) was central to the decision.

“Based on the official reports, it was confirmed that at the time of the incident, the deceased was involved in criminal activity,” the company said.

The statement further detailed the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter. According to the reports, the deceased was allegedly driving a vehicle linked to a kidnapping case, where the person found in the boot of the vehicle was identified as the victim. The deceased was reported to have been an alleged perpetrator among the occupants of the vehicle.

The insurer maintained that participation in criminal activity falls outside the scope of its funeral cover.

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“Participation in illegal or criminal activity, whether proven or alleged based on official investigations, is excluded under Icebolethu Group funeral policies,” it said.

The company also acknowledged the emotional toll such decisions can have on grieving families.

“While we realise the emotional impact of claim decisions, all outcomes are based strictly on verified information, policy provisions, and legal requirements. We remain committed to transparency, fairness, and serving our communities," it said.

As debates continue online, the case highlights the complex intersection between criminal allegations, insurance law, and the expectations placed on funeral policies during moments of profound loss.

Social media responses

Others agreed with the funeral policy holder.

@Linux_Argus commented:

"Most insurance policies don't pay out if you die by suicide or while committing a crime."

@john_sukazi said:

“This is a very important statement, and the story will hopefully be covered by other media houses. In a crime-ravaged society like ours, the death of a person while committing a crime must result in an automatic exclusion from a funeral policy, as it has happened in this case.”

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Most disagreed and added that the family must be refunded their premiums.

@NotreDame84 argued:

“I am glad I don't pay a premium for a judging funeral parlour that judges people using useless clauses. I hope they lose clientele as a result of this decision — not that I promote criminals, but I am putting myself in the shoes of a policyholder who will lose financially.”

@sthedoingtingss said:

“They must pay. When they agreed, why didn't they ask him what he does in life? They didn't refuse his monthly money made from those activities.”

@maybethatzama states:

“I hope this goes further in the courts. The precedent will be very interesting. They cannot refuse to pay out a policy based on ‘allegedly,’ unfortunately.”

Other articles on shootouts with SAPS

Previously, Broeffly News reported that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was clamping down on crime ahead of the festive season, and South Africans have expressed strong support for the police. Members of SAPS killed three suspects in two separate shootouts on 16 December 2025. The suspects were all linked to a series of crimes across the province, including murder, hijackings, kidnappings, and a cash-in-transit heist.

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Two robbery suspects were shot and killed during a shootout with the South African Police Service on 1 September 2025. A police officer was injured during the incident. Police tracked down the suspects to KwaMashu B Section and searched the premises where the suspects were hiding. When they emerged, the suspects opened fire. One police officer was shot and wounded during the shootout.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) killed a cash-in-transit heist suspect who was wanted for a string of robberies near Mtuzini on 15 September 2025. The suspect, who was also a parolee, was linked to 10 cash-in-transit heists in the province and an alleged plot to murder a police officer. Police followed information that led them to the suspect’s location. He attempted to evade arrest and opened fire on officers. Armed with an R5 rifle, a gunfight ensued, resulting in the suspect’s death.

Source: Briefly News