Funeral Claim Rejected After Man Killed In Police Shootout, Says Icebolethu

Funeral services provider Icebolethu Group has come under public scrutiny after declining to pay out a funeral policy claim, citing allegations that the death occurred during criminal activity.

The deceased, Sbonelo Zaca, was killed in a shootout with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police.

In a statement released on 1 January 2026, Icebolethu confirmed that the claim, lodged under a policy held by Nozipho Philile Zaca, had been rejected.

Police Shootout Linked to Alleged Kidnapping Case

According to Icebolethu, the underwriter’s decision followed a review of information obtained from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

The review concluded that Zaca was allegedly involved in criminal activity at the time of his death.

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Police reports state that he was driving a vehicle linked to an alleged kidnapping when officers attempted to stop it in KwaZulu-Natal. The occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire, leading to a police response in which Zaca was fatally wounded.

Authorities further reported that a person found in the boot of the vehicle was identified as a victim in the alleged kidnapping.

‘Criminal Activity Is a Standard Funeral Policy Exclusion’

Icebolethu Group said deaths linked to illegal activity fall outside the scope of cover provided by its funeral policies.

The company explained that participation in unlawful or criminal conduct — whether proven or alleged — is a standard exclusion under its policies, in line with underwriter guidelines and insurance industry norms.

“Claims arising from such circumstances cannot be approved,” the group stated.

Icebolethu added that this type of exclusion is common across funeral and life insurance policies in South Africa, which routinely exclude cover when an insured person dies while engaged in criminal acts, civil unrest or other high-risk conduct.

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