Standard Bank funeral policy becomes null and void despite all premiums paid

Policy SBIBFUNRLFNR ********** 96#05 I took out the above funeral policy on behalf of Ms. Rebecca Matwa a couple of years ago. The policy is in her name and I have a monthly debit order from my account to pay the monthly premiums as she does not have money available for this. I am immigrating and will be closing my bank account and was told that should I stop paying for this policy, the policy will lapse and become null and void. How can a policy - that will pay out R10k on her death(I am unsure of exact amount) and for which I am almost sure I have paid more than this in premiums, lapse? What happens to all the monies paid into the policy? I await your reply Thanks