INSURANCE-RELATED KILLING TRIO DENIED BAIL
Polokwane, Limpopo – The Polokwane Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to a former police officer, Rachel Raesetsa Shokane Kutumela (43), who was stationed at the Senwabarwana Police Station, her elder sister, Annah Shokane (47), and her daughter, Madjadji Flora Shokane (23), from Moletjie Makgofe.
The trio face multiple charges, including nine counts of murder, twelve counts of fraud, money laundering, receiving proceeds of unlawful activities, and defeating the ends of justice. The money laundering charges specifically apply to Rachel Kutumela and her daughter, Madjadji. They were arrested in October 2024.
It is alleged that between 2013 and 2022, Rachel and Annah fraudulently took out life and funeral insurance policies for several victims, subsequently claiming R10 million as beneficiaries. The payouts were made by various service providers, including ABSA, Standard Bank, Capitec, Hollard, Assupol, Old Mutual, One Life, and Clientele. The accused allegedly shared the proceeds with Madjadji.
The court denied bail after the State opposed their release, citing the following reasons: The accused are likely to commit further offences if released, no exceptional circumstances were presented to justify their release, the charges are serious and carry lengthy minimum sentences, releasing them would endanger the lives of witnesses, and the State has a strong case against them. The matter has been postponed to 04 November 2025 for further investigation. The accused will remain in custody until then.
