CRAZY: Man who faked his death 20 years ago found in Knysna
We thought these things only happened in the movies...
Death isn't something we usually electively choose to talk about. Not just because it is generally a taboo topic in many households, but also because dealing with death is difficult.
It is why hearing about this man and his wife faking his death has got us a bit worked up.
Robin Smith allegedly conspired with his wife, Alice Abigail Boschoff, to fake his own death.
"According to the Hawks, Smith assumed the identity of his father-in-law, Chris Boshoff, who died many years ago." (News24)
The couple lived in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni when they came up with this story. But at the time of their capture, they were found living a low-key life in Knysna.
Not long after their deceitful mockery of death, there was an insurance claim with Old Mutual.
The payout equated to a R1.7-million and the couple were said to have left their residence in Gauteng and headed toward KZN, eventually setting up a home base in Knysna, Western Cape.
According to the Hawks, they were living a very low-key life but had opened up an auto repair shop.
"Around 2020, Old Mutual was tipped off about the possibility that they were scammed as Smith was apparently very much alive." (News24)
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The Hawks found that the couple were also in possession of unlicensed firearms, which has been added to their charges.
They have been 'in hiding' since 1999...
Can you believe it?
The couple are expected to be transferred to Gauteng facilities but did appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court.
Living a lie for that long brings a whole new meaning to 'dead man walking', don't you think?
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