LIMPOPO SERGEANT APPEARED IN COURT FOR INSURANCE-RELATED KILLINGS, JOINED BY RELATIVES
Polokwane, Limpopo – A 43-year-old police sergeant, Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela, stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, appeared today in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court alongside her elder sister, Annah Shokane (47), and her daughter, Madjadji Flora Shokane (23), from Moletjie Makgofe. They face multiple charges, including, six counts of murder, money laundering, receiving proceeds from unlawful activities, twelve counts of fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. Money laundering charges apply specifically to Rachel Kutumela and her daughter, Madjadji. The arrests of Annah Shokane and Madjadji Flora Shokane took place yesterday, 17 October 2024.
It is alleged that Sergeant Kutumela fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies for multiple victims and has claimed a total of R10 million as the sole beneficiary. The payouts were made by various service providers, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, Onelife, and Clientele. Kutumela is accused of sharing the proceeds with her sister and daughter.
The crimes began in 2019, when the insured individuals were found dead in various locations. In one instance, a woman was burned in her shack, while in another, a disabled man was discovered drowned in a dam. Authorities have indicated that further arrests may follow.
The case has been postponed to 30–31 October and 1 November 2024 for a bail application. The accused will remain in custody until then.
