Hawks foil assassination aimed at claiming life policy on business partner worth R34 million

A Durban businessman who wanted his business partner killed so that he could be the sole beneficiary of R34 million from the Discovery policy has been arrested.

The businessman hired a man to assist him in finding a hitman who would assassinate his business partner. The Hawks received the information and involved Crime Intelligence. An undercover cop approached the man and presented himself as the man for the job and a deal was concluded. The undercover cop was provided with a vehicle, police blue light and a police communication radio.

The Hawks then staged the murder of the target and within 30 minutes of the supposed murder, an amount of R10 000 was paid for the job well done. The man was then arrested and he led the Hawks to the house of his boss (the businessman). The businessman was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol. The two will appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of unlicensed firearm as well as possession of police equipment.

It was not for the first time that the businessman tried to have his business partner killed. On 2 July 2015 the victim was followed by two men from a conference in Drummond to his residence where he was shot several times in what looked like a failed hijack. The victim survived the attack and as if that was not enough, the businessman again sent three assailants to kill the victim’s father-in-law but the man managed to wrestle for firearm with attackers until they fled.